News
Lucky couple win all expenses trip to Qatar World Cup

By Sean Moriarty
Two Killarney sports fans are off to the World Cup after winning a competition organised by a Cork GAA club.
Susan Kelliher and Matthew Finnerty from Killarney are off to the World Cup in Qatar this month, with hospitality tickets to the England versus Wales game on November 29.
Their prize includes flights and six nights in a 5 star hotel in Dubai with return transfers on match day.
Russell Rovers, based in the East Cork village of Shanagarry, ran a series of fundraisers this year.
A maximum of 5,000 tickets were available for the 100k Sports Pass Draw. It cost €100 to enter, but eight lucky winners will be able to choose from a list that includes the Women’s World Cup in Australia, the Super Bowl and The Masters.
Other events included on the list are the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Cheltenham Festival, the Rugby World Cup Final, the Champions League Final, the Wimbledon Final, Wrestle Mania, the All-Ireland Final, Rugby’s European Cup and the Ryder Cup.
“We’ve been delighted with the level of interest in our sportspass.ie fundraiser so far,” Michael Mannion, Chairperson of Russell Rovers GAA Club, said.
"While we acknowledge that €100 is a big spend, we’re also making a sizeable contribution from the funds to Pieta - a really worthwhile charity that helps people in crisis in communities across the country.”
Funds raised by Russell Rovers will be put towards the club’s development plans which include a new astroturf facility, playing pitch improvements and an upgrade to the club house facilities at its Shanagarry base.
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.