Scouts from the 6th Kerry Killarney Scout Group travelled to County Cavan last week to test their teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills at Scouting Ireland’s annual Phoenix Challenge.

Held from August 13 to 16 at the Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre, the four-day event is recognized as the largest annual scouting competition in Ireland, bringing together patrols from across the island.

This year’s event took inspiration from legendary Kerry explorer Tom Crean, operating under the theme “Tom Crean and the Lost Journal”.

Participating scouts undertook a range of challenges designed around Crean’s Antarctic expeditions.

Over the four days, the Killarney scouts constructed and managed their own campsites, took part in outdoor cooking, completed practical scoutcraft tasks, and participated in environmental initiatives.

The event schedule also included an Antarctic Trade Fair, the traditional Phoenix Campfire, and a Trek Cart Race.

In total, 16 scouts represented Kerry at the competition, with members from the 14th Kerry Killorglin Scout Group also taking part alongside the Killarney patrol.

Scouting Ireland CEO Seán Sheehan commended the young participants for their efforts over the weekend.

“The Phoenix Challenge showcases scouting at its best; young people from across Ireland come together to challenge themselves, work as a team and demonstrate the practical and leadership skills they have learned throughout the year,” he said. “This year’s Tom Crean-inspired theme encouraged participants to embrace adventure, resilience and exploration.”

Photo Captions
Participants make their way through the Phoenix Challenge campsite at Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre, Co. Cavan, during Scouting Ireland’s flagship competition. Photo: Dmitrijs Germanovs

A contingent of Kerry drivers and co-drivers, including several Killarney and District Motor Club members heads to Ballinasloe this Sunday for the Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally.

Serving as round six of the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship, the event features 110 kilometres of stages across East Galway.

Dave Slattery and Denis Coffey lead the local charge at car 19 in their Class 13 Ford Escort Mk2. The pair arrive in Ballinasloe sitting second overall in the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship standings and will be looking for another strong points haul.

Father-and-son duo Willie Power and John Power make their second competitive outing of the season at car 54.

They bring their Darrian T90 GTR back into action following their earlier run on the Kerry Summer Rally.

Down driver Raymond Spence teams up with Barraduff-based navigator Ger Somers at car 106 in a Ford Escort Mk2, continuing their national campaign.