News
Killarney sunflower shows solidarity with Ukraine

A giant creative sunflower – the national flower of Ukraine – has been installed on the steeple of the landmark St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney as a gesture of solidarity with the people of the war-torn country.
The spectacular artistic display can be viewed as Killarney extending a warm hand of welcome to the refugees from Ukraine who are arriving in the town this week.
An initiative of the St Patrick’s Festival Killarney committee, the 15m high sunflower has been designed and created by Kilgarvan-based artists Sophie Lodge and Maitiu Gray who are part of the creative design team for the world famous Notting Hill Carnival.
“This can be considered a gesture of solidarity with the people who are arriving here from Ukraine and their loved ones who have been left behind," St Patrick’s Killarney Festival Chairman, Paul Sherry, said.
“It’s just a very small way of showing them that we are with them, that we are here for them and that we warmly welcome them. Basically, it shows them that we care."
Emerging from the stalk of the decorative sunflower on the church steeple are several shamrocks – the national symbol of Ireland – and creative butterflies in the colours of the national flags of Ukraine and Ireland.
The sunflower in deeply embedded in the culture of Ukraine and the flower can be found in the yards of village houses or woven into the dresses of women during celebrations.
The Killarney sunflower will be illuminated after dark and the festival team has thanked the Venerable Simon Lumby of St Mary’s Church of Ireland for his enthusiasm and cooperation.
The theme of this year’s parade in Killarney is Earth: An Chré and there will be a special focus on butterflies, particularly focusing on the 12 species native to Killarney: The Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Common White, Silver Washed Fritillary, Admiral, Marsh Fritillary, Brown Hairstreak, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tipped and Clouded Yellow.
Giant creatives of the 12 species, designed and created by Sophie Lodge and worn by the members of the Fiona Crowley Stage School, will be on show at the Killarney parade.
“This year’s celebration will really be something very special and we are delighted to see so many local groups, clubs, organisations and individuals taking part,” Paul said.
The parade, organised by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce in association with Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland, will be the focal point of this year’s festival in the town – the first time it has been held since 2019.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland, said: “It is fantastic to see St Patrick’s Festival celebrations return to Killarney this year, supported by Fáilte Ireland.
“Festivals and events play a critical role in delivering brilliant visitor experiences and increasing footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and revenue generation.
“We want to position Ireland as the place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and with an amazing line up of entertainment, the Killarney festival will showcase the very best of the town,” she said.
News
Matt Britton Flooring Now Open in Cork
Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork. […]

Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork.
Established in 1997 by brothers Matt and Craig, both fitters by trade, Matt Britton has become a popular household name throughout Ireland, a favourite among Ireland’s top interior designers and has been featured in an array of celebrities’ homes, including Peter O’Mahony, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Pippa O’Connor, Vogue Williams, Rosie Connolly, and Suzanne Jackson, among others.
Recent expansion plans included the opening of their fifth showroom, Matt Britton Cork, unveiled by Ireland, Munster and Lions rugby legend Peter O’Mahony.
“We are delighted to have launched our first Munster store as part of our expansion plans across Ireland. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our customers who have previously travelled from Munster to visit us in Dublin and Wicklow and this has encouraged us to open a store closer to home for them. Moreover, we are pleased that the opening of this showroom has allowed us to create 10 new jobs in the local area,” said Managing Director Matt Britton .
Their showrooms are designed to offer customers a luxurious experience and showcase their extraordinary collection of hardwood flooring, opulent carpets, and bespoke rugs tailored to clients’ unique preferences.
News
Quest Killarney named Ireland’s best fitness and wellness event
Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards. Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other […]

Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards.
Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other well-known names in the fitness and event industry.
Irish gym clothing company Gym+Coffee established the Make Life Richer Awards as community-based awards that celebrate those who ‘Make Life Richer” to include people who have the same passion as they do and facilitate events and meet-ups that bring people together.
“The team at Quest are super-proud of this award and the achievement and would like to thank everyone who voted for them, and enjoys being part of the Quest community.,” said Elite Event Management’s Rebecca Kemp
Entries for Quest Killarney October 7 are now open at www.questadventureseries.com