News
Miss Keane closes her school books after 43 year’s dedicated service

By Michelle Crean
From days of "chalk and talk" right through to today's modern and sophisticated technologies - one teacher has inspired thousands - but today (Friday) she officially closed her books after 43 years.
After 43 years, teacher Marcia Kissane (nee Keane) who is described as "a brilliant teacher" and "highly respected" is leaving Killarney Community College (KCC) ready to take on a new life challenge.
From the moment she entered the old Tech in New Street in September 1979 she said she received a warm Killarney welcome.
"I felt and knew I had found my special work place," she told the Killarney Advertiser.
"For me, Killarney Community College is a place rich in experience where I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with the most wonderful people with students and colleagues."
In teaching, as in life, the one constant is change, she added.
She taught the old Group Cert and Inter Cert through to the latest modes of assessment in the new Junior and Leaving Certificates.
Marcia also made GAA history in May 1992 as a selector on the Kerry VEC football team that won the All-Ireland inter-county series. She was the first female selector in an all-male management team to win an All-Ireland inter-county football final at Croke Park.
"I have wonderful memories of coaching and organising athletes, cross country, ladies football ad reaching All-Ireland glory with Kerry Vocational school. Teaching has been a life-changing journey. I have enjoyed so much teaching both with my favourite subjects Geography, Maths and Irish. I have experienced fun and laughter, joy and sorrow, love and acceptance, hope and despair, community and commitment. I love my students and I have been blessed and challenged by them as I have accompanied them on their school journeys. My special interest has been the Leaving Certificate Applied and watching the progress of these students over the years is one of the most gratifying experiences in teaching."
GRATITUDE
"I feel immense gratitude and appreciation for all the wonderful staff members it has been my honour and privilege to work with. I thank them for their generous sharing of expertise, skills, resources and knowledge but most of all for their love, kindness, understanding and non-judgemental acceptance," she added.
"I leave in the knowledge that Killarney Community College is led and guided by professional, compassionate, caring people. KCC is a wonderful place of teaching and learning but most of all a place of valuing and affirmation of each and every unique individual in the community."
And being a life long learner Marcia is planning further study in the area of human relationships and plans to give parenting courses.
"I believe parenting is rocket science and that knowledge and support are needed in this most precious of human endeavours. Thank you to Stella and Eilish and everyone in KCC and to my family, Ted, Cathy and Elaine."
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.