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Killarney is flying the purple flag high

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At Killarney Garda Station for the unveiling of the Purple Flag were from left, Paul O'Neill, Chairperson of Purple Flag Killarney Working Group, John Anthony O'Sullivan, Sergeant Ken O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Assumpta Sweeney, David Fitzgerald and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

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ONCE again Killarney has stepped up to the mark and retained its Purple Flag status. There was a full assessment of Killarney's night-time economy in August and the town has passed the test with flying colours. Purple Flag is the international accreditation for town centres in the evening and at night from 5pm to 5am. Like a Blue Flag, centres that achieve the required standards of 30 criteria can fly the flag.

Paul O'Neill, chairman of the Purple Flag Working Group, expressed his gratitude to a real team effort within the business and wider community: “There really was a fantastic buy-in from the whole town during the adjudication. I have to thank everyone that helped make it a successful examination.

“The assessors received a warm Killarney welcome wherever they went. Management and staff were knowledgeable and informative. We have a few little areas to work on for future improvement but that's something to work towards,” he said.

The assessors were particularly impressed with Killarney House and Gardens and remarked that it will be a major asset in offering a variety of evening services.

“It is another feather in the cap for the town and reinforces what we already know, that Killarney provides facilities, attractions and a unique atmosphere to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” Paul added.

The Killarney Purple Flag working group is a joint initiative between the Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Kerry County Council. Killarney is one of 18 towns in Ireland to attain a Purple Flag. The annual Purple Flag weekend takes place from 7th to 9th October and will feature a family fun day in the town centre on Saturday 8th October.

“We want to celebrate the success of retaining our Purple Flag status with everyone. It's a bit of fun for the family so we invite everyone to Main Street from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday 8th next,” said Paul.
 


 
Above: The Purple Flag team pictured with the award at Killarney Garda Station.
PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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