Residents of Ardshanavooley and members of An Garda Síochána gathered at the Killarney Pastoral Centre on Rock Road recently for a community information evening to launch a new Community Text Alerts initiative.

The event focused on encouraging local people to get involved in making their area a safer place to live, work and visit.

The programme aims to strengthen links between residents and Gardaí by sharing important safety information and alerts quickly within the community.

During the evening, attendees heard practical advice on crime prevention, including home security, protecting vehicles and property, and raising awareness around scams and fraud.

Information was also provided on how the programme works, the benefits for residents, and the importance of neighbours working together.

Attendees were given the opportunity to register their interest, sign up to the system and volunteer for future community safety initiatives.

Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the new programme and said he was delighted to see it being rolled out, with hopes that it will now expand to other areas.

“The initiative would be particularly beneficial for those who are not active on social media, ensuring that nobody is left out when important community information is being shared,” Cllr Grady said.

Killarney Triathlon Club member Oran O’Donoghue has had his race cancelled after Ironman Nice and Ironman 70.3 Nice were called off this weekend due to a heatwave in Europe.

The Muckross man travelled to France for the Full Ironman event. However, local authorities in Nice cancelled the triathlons to protect the safety of the 4,500 athletes, organisers, and volunteers.

Officials stated that running the races would put too much pressure on emergency and medical services.

France and other parts of the continent are experiencing high temperatures, leading to the cancellation or modification of several other races.

The club are all behind Oran who is also a committee member and excellent swimmer,” said club PRO Caitriona Shannahan, “As you can imagine it was devastating for him.It will be rescheduled and we are all behind him for this huge endurance event.”

The news follows a club gathering just days earlier. On Tuesday, June 23rd, members met at Dundag for a training swim and a get-together to wish O’Donoghue luck before his trip to France.

Cronin represents Ireland in Spain

Killarney Triathlon Club also recognised the recent achievement of member Alan Cronin from Scartaglen, who represented Ireland at the European Triathlon Age Group Championships in Tarragona, Spain.

Competing in the Sprint Distance race, Cronin finished in 34th place against age-group athletes from across Europe.

The swim went ahead without wetsuits due to the hot weather, followed by a fast, draft-legal bike course.

The run proved challenging in the high temperatures, but Cronin described the event as a fantastic experience that he thoroughly enjoyed.