Killarney Judo Club hosted a successful day of sport on Sunday, February 15, as nearly 90 young judoka gathered at Lissivigeen National School for the Munster Mini Mon development competition.

The event drew competitors under the age of 13 from across the province, with athletes travelling from Cork City, Limerick, Waterford, Macroom, and Tralee.
As a development-focused event, the competition used a unique format where players were grouped by age and ability rather than traditional weight categories. This ensured a fair and competitive environment for all participants. Killarney was represented by 26 competitors, including 13 children who were stepping onto the competitive mats for the first time.
Among those making their competition debuts were Tobin and Cullen Kelliher, both of whom impressed the crowds with confident performances. The club also highlighted the leadership of Patrik Polubnak and James Maher, who served as referees and role models for the younger athletes throughout the day.
The local club finished the event with a total of 26 medals, consisting of four gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. The coaches noted the excellent determination and sportsmanship shown by the entire squad, ranging from the youngest seven-year-olds to the 13-year-old debutants.
Following the success in Lissivigeen, the club is now preparing for the Galway Open on March 7, where they will compete against some of the top young talent in the country. While children’s classes are currently at capacity, enquiries for the waiting list can be made via Killarneyjudo.com or by contacting Tim on 086 260 1591.

The 20th anniversary of Killarney BikeFest is set to be bigger than ever over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

As Ireland’s largest free open biker festivals, the milestone event is expected to draw record crowds to the town and the dedicated festival village.

Organisers are preparing an expanded programme of events to mark two decades of the festival, featuring a mix of live music, bike showcases, and the signature ride-outs through the scenic Kerry landscape.

The economic impact on the local region is already evident, with accommodation providers across Killarney reporting exceptionally strong demand and many hotels nearing full capacity months in advance.

The festival remains a highlight of the Killarney tourism calendar, attracting enthusiasts from across Europe.