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Local workshop empowers community

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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.

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Tadhg Fleming to lead Team Jack and Jill in Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle

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Tadhg Fleming to lead Team Jack and Jill in Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle


Comedian and content creator Tadhg Fleming will lead the charge for Team Jack and Jill this summer, taking on the 170km Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle on Saturday, July 4.


The annual event, which starts and finishes in Killarney, raises vital funds for charities across Ireland. This year, Fleming is urging cyclists of all abilities to join him in raising money to support the 504 Jack and Jill families nationwide, including 14 families currently receiving care in County Kerry.
“It’s a sin this Kerry man hasn’t done the Ring of Kerry yet, but it’s about time I did it,” Fleming said. “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking it on for Jack and Jill, a charity very close to our hearts. Dad Derry has done it a few times and told me it’s a piece of cake, so we’ll soon find out about that.”
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provides critical in-home nursing care and respite support for children up to the age of seven who live with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs.
Among those benefiting from the service is Tralee mother Anna Walsh. Her youngest daughter, Róisín, lives with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic condition.
“Jack and Jill has made such a difference to our family life,” Walsh said. “The hours of in-home nursing care we receive mean I’m able to work, which is massively important for our family. It gives us breathing space, practical support, and reassurance when things are overwhelming.”
Registration is now open for participants looking to secure a place on the team. Those who sign up to cycle for the charity will receive fundraising support, specialized training plans from Coral Leisure personal trainers, and an official Jack and Jill cycling jersey.
Cyclists can register to join Team Jack and Jill online at https://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/our-charities/jack-jill-foundation/

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100-year-old fire tender beautifully restored 

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Billy Spring from Milltown with his restored Merryweather Hatfield Trailer Pump Fire Tender which was in service by Killarney Fire Brigade from it’s purchase in 1926 up until the 1960’s,Billy purchased it in 1994,he carried out the restoration on it from 2008 to 2026.This Appliance was particularly suited for duties as the town was composed of a lot of narrow lanes and congested areas where a regular pump couid not gain access.Photo by Michael G Kenny

A piece of Killarney’s municipal history has been painstakingly brought back to life following an extensive restoration project by Milltown resident Billy Spring.

The rare machine served as a frontline tender for the Killarney Fire Brigade for four decades, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Having survived a century, the machine required a monumental amount of skilled craftsmanship to reverse decades of wear and return it to its former glory.

Now fully restored, this unique piece of local heritage offers a rare glimpse into the early days of emergency services in the region.

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