News
Local workshop empowers community
An impactful Parents of Teens Workshop, hosted by mental-health advocate Neil Kelders, was held on Thursday, November 13, at The Panoramic, Race Course, drawing a huge turnout of around 140 attendees.
Parents, teachers, coaches, carers, and community workers gathered for an evening centred on connection, communication and emotional wellbeing.
Although Neil no longer lives in Killarney, his work takes him to communities across Ireland and beyond.
He made a special journey home to give back to the place where his inspiration for this path first began.
It was during difficult times in Killarney that Neil found his purpose in supporting the wellbeing of others and returning to share that message carried deep meaning.
Neil opened the evening with a deeply personal video he had recorded during one of the lowest points in his life, a moment originally meant as a goodbye.
The room fell silent, ears tuned, hearts open.
From there, he spoke honestly about his struggles with anxiety, depression and the silence that stigma often forces. His message resonated strongly: check in with loved ones, even when the signs aren’t visible.
The workshop was highly interactive, with attendees openly sharing concerns before Neil addressed them with practical strategies and compassionate insight.
The central theme was clear: keep communication open and create safe spaces for young people.
Community members offered powerful reflections.
Eamonn Fitzgerald praised Neil’s “unmasking,” reminding everyone that “it is ok to say ‘I am not ok’.”
Gemma Hilario said the evening “opened dialogue on mental health and helped remove stigma.”
Lisa Hegarty found the workshop “incredibly insightful and empowering.”
Elaine O’Neill praised the “invaluable toolbox” Neil provided for supporting loved ones.
Frances O’Sullivan highlighted Neil’s lived-experience coaching, offering “actionable strategies to better approach and listen to young adults.”
The evening left a lasting impact, 140 families, classrooms and teams better equipped, supported and connected.
Lochanna Beo’s mapping highlights water quality concerns
Local environmental action group Lochanna Beo has released mapping data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to draw attention to deteriorating water quality across Killarney and the broader Laune Catchment.
The EPA map uses a colour-coded system to rate water quality status from 2019 to 2024: blue indicates high status, green indicates good, yellow represents moderate, brown denotes poor, and red signifies bad status.
The figures indicate significant ecological pressure on local lakes and rivers compared to neighbouring areas across County Kerry.
Formed during the summer of 2026, Lochanna Beo aims to bring together residents, business owners, agricultural operators, and public bodies to address the key factors affecting the regional aquatic ecosystem.
The community initiative is seeking direct engagement with relevant statutory authorities to implement practical restoration measures and protect the long-term health of Killarney’s water bodies.
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Stefan Caulfield-Dreier signs professional cycling contract
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Lochanna Beo’s mapping highlights water quality concerns
Lochanna Beo’s mapping highlights water quality concerns Local environmental action group Lochanna Beo has released mapping data from the Environmental...
Stefan Caulfield-Dreier signs professional cycling contract
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg. The 23-year-old...
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival The Methodist Church in Killarney is inviting local schools, community groups, businesses, and...
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway!
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway! Six lucky audience members will each walk away with €1,000 as the Gleneagle Arena welcomes an extraordinary...
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
