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Killarney Women Comes Closer to Fulfilling her Dream

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“The Teacher Education Access course is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher” according to Claire Coyne from Killarneywho speaking at the Adult Education Awards ceremony held in MIC on Saturday 26 May when 24 mature learners from varying ages and cultures graduated from the two adult access programmes, the Teacher Education Access Course and the Foundation Certificate Programme.

The Teacher Education Access Course for Mature Learners is a part-time programme for adult learners and is unique in the Irish higher education system.  The course, offered by MIC in partnership with the City of Limerick Vocational Educational Committee, Adult Education Service, is designed for mature learners who wish to gain entry to the B Ed. (Primary Education) at the College. The course is aimed at anyone over the age of 22 by January 1st on the year of application, who is interested in applying to the B Ed (Primary Education) and who does not hold the minimum entry requirements.  Those who successfully complete the course and fulfil the minimum entry requirements for the B Ed are offered a place on the BED (Primary) Degree programme in MIC.  This year sees he first graduates from the course graduating from the B Ed programme in October at the annual MIC conferring ceremonies. 

Speaking on her experience of the course Claire Coyne commented: “I have always wanted to study for primary teaching but I did not have the Irish or English requirements.  For me this access course was what I needed, as before completing the course I was afraid of the Irish language and feared returning to education.  The support I have received from all the excellent lecturers has instilled me with the confidence I needed. The Teacher Education Access course is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher.    I am a mother with two small children and hold down a part-time job… if I can do this anyone can.”

Congratulating all the graduates of the Foundation Certificate Programme and the Teacher Education Access Course Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC said; “Education involves a major transition in a mature student’s life, it is a journey of personal growth and self-transformation.  I know that many of you faced great personal challenges while participating in this course. By getting to this point you have demonstrated immense commitment. I wish to commend each and every one of you on your hard work, perseverance and dedication. Your wonderful achievement is encapsulated in the certificate I will present to you this afternoon. I wish to also pay tribute to those who have supported you on this journey, your family and friends. I thank them on your behalf”.

He continued to speak of the genuine commitment in MIC to offer access to education to all especially those who may have lost out educationally in the past as they represent a reservoir of talent and ability.  He finished by paying special tribute to the staff of Mary Immaculate College for their involvement in the planning and delivery of these courses and for the impressive network of support services they provide the students with. 

Applications are currently being invited for the Teacher Education Access Course with an application deadline of 1 June 2018.  See www.mic.ul.ie for further details.

 

 

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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