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Martin Grady to replace father Donal on Killarney Municipal Council

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By Sean Moriarty

Cllr Donal Grady will be replaced by his son Martin on the Killarney Municipal Council after the long-serving councillor called time on his political career this week.

Last month the Killarney Advertiser revealed that this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting would be his last.

He formally announced his retirement at Wednesday’s meeting where colleagues paid tribute to his contribution to the local political scene.

Veteran politician today pulled up a seat to the debating table in the Killarney town hall for the last time as he attended his final Killarney Municipal District meeting 24 years after his first election.

The Independent public representative, who is stepping away from active politics, said he has very mixed emotions but the time is right for new and fresh blood.

It is expected that his son, Martin, will be co-opted to the seat at the next meeting of the council.

Cllr Grady served on the former Killarney Town Council from June 1999 until it was disbanded in 2014 when he won a seat on Killarney Municipal District.

“His fingerprints are on a number of projects, too many to mention. Killarney has been the better of Cllr Grady having been elected as a representative of this town,” Cllr Kelleher said.

Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan recalled how the two of them may not have always agreed on political matters they remained friends outside the chamber.

“There was skin and hair flying at times but we went for coffee afterwards and that was that,” said O’Calllaghan.

Cllr Brendan Cronin: “He served the town and county with dedication.”

Cllr Maura Healy-Rae said “Killarney and its people were always his passion,” while Cllr John O’Donoghue said: “He did his service in the best interests of the town.”

Killarney Municipal District Manager, Angela McAllen added:

“He was hardworking and long-serving. He brought great and passionate debate.”

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Generous public raises over €1,400 at Christmas Day Goal Mile

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day. The annual fundraiser, which took place in […]

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Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

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Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

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Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

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