News
Major expansion approved for St Oliver’s National School
St Oliver’s National School in Killarney is set for a significant expansion following its inclusion in the first phase of the National Development Plan school building program for 2026
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The project, funded under the Additional Accommodation Scheme, will allow the school to provide 42 additional student places. The planned extension focuses heavily on inclusive education, delivering three Special Educational Needs rooms and seven Special Education Teacher rooms. These new facilities are designed to ensure that pupils with additional requirements can access necessary supports within their own school community.
The investment in St. Oliver’s is part of a wider rollout of 105 projects nationwide scheduled to move to tender or construction over the next two years. The government's strategy for this phase of the National Development Plan prioritizes increasing capacity for Special Educational Needs provision in existing schools.
Two other Kerry schools were also included in this initial funding tranche. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare will receive an extension featuring two Special Educational Needs rooms and three specialist rooms, while Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel is approved for four new Special Educational Needs classrooms.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill welcomed the news, stating the projects will make a real difference for families and staff in the county.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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