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Communities unite to work towards UNESCO Heritage status 

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Both sides of the original transatlantic telegraph cable came together in Valentia this week, when representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador paid an official visit to Kerry, and to the Valentia Cable Station.

VISIT: At Valentia Island Cable Station on Valentia Island where representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador paid an official visit to Kerry and to the Valentia Cable Station. Included were: John Griffin (Tourism Officer KCC) Emer Connolly (Director National Monuments Service) Mary Rose Stafford (Valentia Cable Foundation) Michael Lyne (Chairman Valentia Island Development) Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae Gerry Osmond (Assistant Deputy Minister - Arts and Heritage of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) Minister Tourism Culture Arts and Recreation Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Steve Crocker Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council Cllr John Francis Flynn Cllr Norma Moriarty Siobhan Griffin (SKDP) and Moira Murrell (Chief Executive KCC). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The purpose of the visit was the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding between both communities, which committed Kerry County Council and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to a co-operative approach on their journey to seeking UNESCO Heritage Status for the Cable Stations of Valentia and Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, the western terminus for the transatlantic cable.

Minister Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation Steve Crocker and Gerry Osmond, Assistant Deputy Minister - Arts and Heritage of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador travelled to Kerry for the visit and were welcomed to the Valentia Cable Station by Michael Lyne, Chairman, Valentia Island Development Company, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Francis Flynn and Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council, as well as members of the Valentia Island Development Company.

Following a tour of the Cable Station Exhibition, a dinner, hosted by the Cathaoirleach, took place in the Royal Hotel.

The signing of the official Memorandum of Understanding between both parties commits Kerry and Newfoundland to a joint approach in seeking UNESCO Heritage Status, but also to a wider cultural and economic cooperation in support of community development.

“Our aim is to safeguard this global heritage for the posterity of mankind but our hope and expectation is that it will unlock other investment opportunities both private and State," Cllr John Francis Flynn speaking at the event said.

"We want to maximise the economic and social opportunities that this will provide for Valentia and South Kerry. I am sure the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will want to achieve similar goals for Hearts Content and its environs. I hope that this will the first of many official exchanges between Newfoundland and County Kerry, your community in Heart’s Content and ours in Valentia. I understand that a vital element of a joint or trans-national World Heritage application is a close working relationship between the two parties. You can be assured of our full commitment to the process and wider co-operation in other areas too - on the community, economic, tourism and social fronts.”

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Diesel alternative now available in Killarney

A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil […]

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A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The renewable fuel is already being used locally — including by Deros Coaches.
HVO is a low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for traditional diesel.

Made by treating waste plant material with hydrogen, it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Compared to regular diesel, HVO emits up to 90% less CO₂ and also offers benefits such as lower NOx emissions, biodegradability, longer shelf-life, and being completely fossil-free.

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St Brigid’s principal Róisín Moore to step down

After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s […]

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After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.

In a statement issued by the school community this week, Ms Moore described the decision as deeply personal.

“This has not been an easy decision,” she said.

“But I believe the time is right for me to explore other opportunities while also giving greater attention to family responsibilities. The role of principal is a demanding one, and I have always strived to give it my full commitment.”

Ms Moore’s tenure at St. Brigid’s has been defined by vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the values of CEIST and Catholic education. A former student of the school , she returned years later to lead the institution she credits with shaping her both personally and professionally.

“Serving as Principal of St Brigid’s has been one of the great honours of my life,” she said. “I remain deeply committed to the values of CEIST and to the mission of Catholic education. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave the role with immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school community.”

Her leadership coincided with significant achievements, including a very positive WSE-MLL (Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning) report, the continued advancement of a major building project, and the fostering of what she described as “a caring and inclusive environment with high expectations at its core.”

“We have an outstanding teaching staff, a robust culture of leadership and management, and a clear sense of purpose and direction,” she added. “I have every confidence the board of management and staff will continue to bring the school forward.”

Teacher and school PRO Sheree Murphy paid tribute on behalf of staff and students.

‘It’s hard to put into words just how much Róisín has meant to St Brigid’s and to all of us who have had the privilege of working under her leadership” said Ms Murphy.

“She has been an exceptional leader, steadfast, visionary, and deeply committed to every student, staff member, and family in our school community. Her dedication has truly brought the school from strength to strength.”

“Through her guidance, I personally have grown immensely as a teacher. Her belief in professional development, collaborative leadership, and high expectations has helped shape the kind of educator I am today.”

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