News
Killarney volunteers hit movie screens around the world

Killarney Mountain Meitheal volunteers profiled in the short documentary film ‘Hatchets & Hope’ are featuring on cinema screens around the world.
The five-minute film introduces the Killarney Mountain Meitheal, an intergenerational group of volunteers in Killarney and has been shortlisted for a number of high-profile film festivals.
Each week they hike out to protect some of Ireland’s last surviving woodland forests and rare ecosystems from the alarming spread of the invasive plant Rhododendron ponticum.
Despite its beautiful purple flower, the infestation of this strain of rhododendron is lethal to the local biodiversity.
With the spectacular backdrop of the mountains of south Kerry, the film shows the community working to eradicate these exotic plants and stop their advance.
This inspiring film is about camaraderie, commitment, and the astounding results a small group of passionate nature lovers have achieved.
Aoibheann O’Sullivan, whose parents are from Killarney, is an award-winning film-maker who lives in Kenya.
She found herself stuck in Killarney at the start of the pandemic, and joined the ‘Meithal’ group who clear rhododendron in Killarney National Park.
"It is wonderful to see the important work of the Killarney Mountain Meitheal getting worldwide attention. It shows the profound impact a small group of committed people can make. We need more inspiring stories like this to show that action instead of anxiety is going to fix our relationship with nature,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.
Last October the film had its premiere at the 2021 Kerry International Film Festival and is now screening at some well-regarded film festivals such as the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York, Sustainable Stories Film Fest in Texas, and the Irish Film Festival London.
The film was made possible with the support of the South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) and EU LEADER funding.
If you would like to join the Killarney Mountain Meitheal, or find out more, please contact them on info@killarneymountainmeitheal.com.
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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