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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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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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