News
Killarney’s festivals to get €30k in funding
By Sean Moriarty
The future of some of Killarney’s best-loved festivals is secure thanks to much needed financial support that was distributed through Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund.
Several community groups and organisations received funding under the programme. A total of €30,000 was allocated to four of the town’s festivals.
Killarney’s newest event, The Wander Wild Festival, is in line for €10,000 under the scheme. The St Patrick’s Day Festival and Christmas in Killarney will get €8,000, and the annual 4th of July Festival is to get €4,000,
“The financial contribution made by Killarney Municipal District Council and Kerry County Council is, of course, an enormous boost for which Chamber if extremely grateful," Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, president Niall Kelleher, told the Killarney Advertiser.
"It almost goes without saying that, without this wonderful support from the municipal authority, the festivals would struggle to survive. These events attract tens of thousands of people to town every year but, of course, festivals are very expensive to run. It costs hundreds of thousands of Euro to keep these wonderful events up and running and, in addition to the very significant promotion and marketing costs, we must ensure the infrastructure and all the necessary equipment, decorations and attractions are in place.”
Killarney is particularly fortunate to have such outstanding and high quality community celebrations to attract people from all over the world and provide top class entertainment.
“Everybody is fully aware and appreciative of the hugely positive impact of events like Christmas in Killarney, the St Patrick’s Festival Killarney, the 4th July Festival and, the latest addition, the Wander Wild Festival which was such a major success in its inaugural year,” Mr Kelleher added.
“Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce is, as always, very grateful to the local businesses who contribute so willingly and so generously every year, without fail, to help offset the costs of running the town’s festivals.”
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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