Gaelscoil Faithleann, Killarney’s all-Irish speaking national school, turned fully international last Friday, May 15, as pupils and staff gathered to celebrate the school’s diverse community.

The annual International Day sees flags from all over the world fly proudly at the school. This year’s event acknowledged the cultures of approximately 16 different countries represented within the school’s parent body, including Poland, Lithuania, Ghana, South Africa, and Thailand.

As part of the celebrations, pupils in Third Class (Rang 3) put together a food display featuring traditional dishes from Italy, Mexico, France, and China.

The day also featured live activities for the children. Wilson da Silva provided a demonstration of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, while a parent of a senior infant student led Zumba dance classes for the younger classes.

Another parent, who previously spent many years in Taiwan, delivered a PowerPoint presentation to the junior classes.

Special guests from KASI (Killarney Immigrant Support Centre) also visited the school. They spoke directly to the students in Fifth and Sixth Class (Rang 5 and Rang 6), sharing first-hand accounts of their personal experiences and what life was like in their home countries before they moved to Ireland.

School Principal, Lisa Ní Iarlaithe, extended her thanks to the parents’ council, Cairde na Scoile, including new chairperson Miriam Lyne and past chairperson Mary Carroll, for their work in organising the event.

Killarney Legion GAA grounds will officially be renamed “Johnny Culloty Park” during a major festival of sport and community fun over the weekend of June 5 and 6.

The celebrations will kick off on Friday with the Johnny Culloty Golf Classic. On Saturday morning, the focus shifts to the pitch for a juvenile football competition, which will be followed by the official ground-naming ceremony.

The event will host significant guests of honour, including GAA President Jarlath Burns and Kerry footballing legend Mick O’Connell.

The ceremony is open to the entire community and the public is highly encouraged to attend.

The formal proceedings will be followed by an evening of live music, entertainment, and a community barbecue.

The renaming serves as a permanent tribute to the Killarney icon, who passed away in February 2025.

Culloty was a lifelong driving force for Legion both on and off the field, serving as a chairman, coach, and vital member of the club’s development committee that built the modern facilities at Derreen.