News
Nathan’s Walk launch set for Tuesday evening
By Sean Moriarty
Details of this year’s Darkness into Light – Nathan’s Walk will be unveiled at a special launch event at Reidy’s Bar on Tuesday night.
Marie O'Carroll set up the Killarney walk in 2011 following the loss of her 14-year-old son Nathan. It was the second such event – which raises awareness on suicide and mental health.
The idea behind 'Nathan’s Walk, Darkness into Light - Pieta House' is to help spread awareness to help prevent suicide and self-harm. It's also a chance to raise vital funds for the service provided free by Pieta House.
The inaugural event took place in Dublin’s Phoenix Park the year before and it has now grown to become and international event.
This year’s event will start at 4.25am on May 7 from Ross Castle and Marie is encouraging early registration as she is expecting a large turn-out. The walk did not take place in 2020 and last year’s walk was a scaled back version due to the pandemic.
Souvenir t-shirts from the annual event have become sought after collectors’ items.
“We will open registration at the launch,” Marie told the Killarney Advertiser. “T-shirts are in limited supply this year so we are encouraging early registration. We don’t want big crowds at the sign-on desk on Saturday morning either.”
Additional early registration dates have been organised for the Racecourse on May 5 between 5pm and 8pm and May 6 between 5pm and 8pm.
London Darkness into Light
London's Darkness into Light is also making a return next month with two events to raise funds for the Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP), a mental health charity serving the Irish community in the UK.
Both events have an Aghadoe native at the helm.
Liam Kearney is the chairman of the London organising committee and he is running one walk at the London Irish Rugby Club’s training ground in Hazelwood.
Tara Cronin who, during her term as secretary of the Kerry Association London, was one of the founders of the London walk back in 2014.
She is now the fundraising and events manager with ICAP and she will take charge of the Cricklewood walk.
“We are delighted that the walks are back after two years when we could not gather together to walk from the Darkness into the Light," Liam said. "This year we welcome you to join us at either of the two walks, Hazelwood or Cricklewood, at 4.15am. We will gather to remember all those that we have lost to suicide and hope that each of us by walking, running, hiking, swimming can be the power to be a light against the dark.”
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.
Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke...
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as...
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