News
Killarney woman pens new children’s book

As Ireland cautiously exits lockdown, a Killarney woman decided to pen a new book designed to help children cope with their inner worries and anxieties.
‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’ - which is available from today (Friday) - was written and illustrated by Katie O’Donoghue, a child and young people’s therapist, and tells the story of Little Squirrel who hasn’t left his nest since last autumn. He needs to gather nuts for the long winter to come, but he’s too worried to leave his cosy nest.
Luckily, Little Squirrel discovers he has lots of friends in the forest, from Wren to Snuffly Hedgehog, Grey Rabbit to Mister Fox, Old Badger to Great Stag. Will their encouragement and words of advice be enough to help Little Squirrel to venture out?
In what has been a very difficult year for so many, through the story of Little Squirrel and his adventures in the forest, readers young and old come to learn coping techniques and to realise that, although we all feel worried sometimes, we don’t have to face those worries alone, Katie explained.
“With a little help from his friends, Little Squirrel eventually emerges from his cosy nest, as the rest of us begin to too,” she said.
Now working as deputy manager at cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, author Katie recently returned from the UK, where she worked as a children and young people's therapist for the NHS. Her background is in fine art and design, and she has a Master's degree in Art Psychotherapy.
“During COVID, while supporting young people, I was inspired to write and illustrate the story,” she explained. “Influenced by my own need to reconnect with home in Kerry, I began illustrating the characters, all native Irish woodland animals, along with a story that utilises psychoeducation and CBT coping skills to help support children with their worries.”
Described by publishers, Gill, as ‘a comforting story for children and adults alike’ Katie's book is now available at Eason Killarney and online on Eason's and Gill books websites.
News
Jessie Buckley to perform live on RTE this Friday 22nd September

This Culture Night, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh will present an hour-long live music and arts programme from Dún Lúiche in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Actress and singer Jessie Buckley has been added to the list of stellar musicians who will perform with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on the night. Jessie will perform a special rendition of a Sinéad O’Connor song in tribute to the late artist.
Jessie commented: “I am very honoured to return to Culture Night 2023 to remember Sinéad O Connor with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Sinéad was such a huge influence on so many women in Ireland and across the world, her courage, her mind, her politics and her intense beauty and soul. She was a warrior to humanity. I remember hearing her for the first time and feeling her uncompromising need to connect and affect. Recognising what couldn’t be said and speaking it out loud. I am so grateful for all her fire and all her love. It is such a privilege to return to Ireland for RTÉ Culture Night in Donegal to sing a song of gratitude for Sinéad and her family and friends.”
Other artists performing with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra include The Murder Capital, R&B singer and 2FM Rising star Aby Coulibaly and Irish-based Ukrainian musician Olesya Zdorovetska.
Friday 22nd September, 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
News
N22 Killarney to Faranfore road further delayed
The revealing of the preferred route corridor for the construction of the new Killarney to Farranfore road has been delayed – again. Four potential routes for the N22 Farranfore-Killarney project […]

The revealing of the preferred route corridor for the construction of the new Killarney to Farranfore road has been delayed – again.
Four potential routes for the N22 Farranfore-Killarney project were identified and were put out to public consultation in May 2021. These have now been whittled down to just one.
It was previously promised that the preferred route would be published late last year.
This dragged on in to the Spring and there is still no sigh of the preferred route being revealed.
A recent Kerry County Council meeting a council official explained that there are further funding requirements to allow the council complete various reports and investigations required before the road can move to its next phase.
-
Sport1 week ago
Kerry’s old dogs ready for Tyrone challenge in All-Ireland final
-
News6 days ago
Over 80 women car enthusiasts attend classic car show
-
Sport1 week ago
Almost impossible to look beyond East Kerry but Dingle are best placed to challenge
-
News6 days ago
Musical society ready to hit the high notes