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National Park stars in debut fantasy fiction novel

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By Michelle Crean

The beauty of Killarney National Park plays a starring role in a new work of fiction which tackles Climate Change through Irish myth and magic.

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The debut novel 'Realm of the Hare' published by Dixi books in London is a Young Adult/Adult magical realist novel written by Cork man Micheál Lovett who has connections to Killarney town.

Set in Kerry and Oxford, this magical story melds together Irish mythology, sorcery and the ever-growing challenge of climate change in an legendary tale of good versus evil, nature versus man, and Ullanite versus the Regnum.

"It tells the story of Boudicca Moriarty, a young girl from Oxford whose mother has mysteriously disappeared and she returns to the care of her grandparents in Kerry," Michael explained.

Here she finds a mysterious locket containing a tiny book leading her to join forces with a wild hare called ‘Finn’. They journey to the ancient world of the Ullauns, in nearby Killarney National Park, and join a band of child warriors called The Ullaunites, who are the last defenders of Nature from the Regnum, a dark army led by Mustela, who craves Nature and the power of its secrets. To survive, Boudicca must leave behind her childhood and become an Ullaunite warrior and protect Nature, before all is lost to the Regnum.

"As much, if not more so, than the other counties in Ireland, Kerry is blessed with beautiful scenery, and Killarney is surrounded by wondrous nature," explaining his reasons for including the National Park in his book.

"It overlooks the town, provides the backdrop, affects the weather, and thus the people. The people are as much part of nature as the mountains and lakes. Being in the Park repairs the soul," Michael, an English language teacher, said.

A former Writer in Residence at the Everyman Palace, Micheál is a critically acclaimed playwright is from Cork, but the son of a West Kerryman, Michael Lovett from Annascaul.

His debut play 'The Deadman’s Beard’, toured nationally in 2001 including Siamsa Tire, 2002 and 2013, ‘This Ebony Bird’ Cork Opera House & Smock Alley 2005, 2011, ‘Jumping the Sharks’ starring Don Whycherley, Smock Alley, Cork and Limerick. ‘Tricky’ London 2004, ‘Macbeth at the Gates’ New Orleans, US 2007. ‘My Heart Upset the Moon’ RTE Radio 1. He has written for numerous TV shows in Australia with Endemol Shine and Channel 7. He is one of the founding members of Blood in the Alley Productions which has toured Kerry on a number of occasions.

The book available in Eason in Killarney, Waterstones, Amazon UK and the US and all independent bookstores through out the county.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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