News
Killarney’s An Óige hostel wins prestigious Experts Choice Award
SUCCESS: Killarney International Hostel has won the Best of Killarney award at the 2019 ExpertsÕ Choice Awards: Pictured were: Sinead O'Connell, Fiona Curnow, Paul Huggett, John Claffey (Manager) and JC Brosnan. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Michelle Crean
Killarney International Hostel were big winners at the recent 2019 Experts’ Choice Awards after walking away with the Best of Killarney award.
Now in its fourth year, the Experts’ Choice Awards is much sought after in the travel industry as awards are based on professional expert reviews. Fewer than two percent of hotels and hostels worldwide receive a prestigious Experts Choice award.
The hostel is owned and operated by An Óige – Irish Youth Hostel Association and this week Manager John Claffrey, who has run the business for the past 27 years, said they are thrilled with the news.
“It’s always great to get nominated for an award but to win one is even that bit more special,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.
“What makes these awards even more special is that they’re based on the reviews of industry experts so they obviously found our hostel to be of top quality and a great experience which is exactly what we always want to hear.”
The hostel itself is housed in an 18th century mansion and set of 75 acres of gardens and forest overlooking the mountains and Killarney National Park. It is considered one of An Óige’s most environmentally friendly hostels as almost all waste produced by the hostel is recycled or composted.
The hostel, located just off the Fossa road, opened in 1959, with an ethos of bringing groups, including disadvantaged children from urban areas to the countryside for a break, John explained.
“We open eight months of the year and cater for 137 in the high season. We cater for groups only during the low season for four months.”
It isn’t the first time that the hostel has received acclaim as it was previously shortlisted in the Top 5 ‘Favourite Irish Hostels’ as voted for by the readers of TNT Magazine in 2012.
He added a huge thanks to everyone involved in running the business including the dedicated staff.
“It’s nice to be recognised and we thank everyone involved.”
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
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