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New book on Kerry’s early Neolithic portal tombs

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The fascinating story of the excavations at some of the oldest extant monuments in Ireland is told in a new book 'Stone, Bone & Belonging' published by Kerry County Council.

The portal tombs at Killaclohane near Milltown date to around 3,700 BC at the beginning of the Neolithic period in Ireland and are considered to be among the most important archaeological features of the Kerry and Irish landscape.

The tombs are considered to be monuments to the end of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle which had persisted for thousands of years, and the transition to and adoption of agriculture, which heralded an end to a nomadic existence and the adoption of the settled way of life.

The portal tomb known as Killaclohane I is the oldest extant monument in Kerry. In 2015, after nearly 6,000 years marking the passing of people and time, it was discovered to be in danger of imminent collapse. Kerry County Council stepped in to fund the conservation and excavation of the monument and continued to fund further excavations at another nearby tomb, known as Killaclohane II which is situated within Killaclohane Wood.

Significant items

The project, overseen by Kerry County Archaeologist, Dr Michael Connolly, included excavation, research and analysis of the material and data recovered from the tombs. A wide range of significant items were uncovered, including finely crafted flint tools and weapons as well as Neolithic pottery and provided significant evidence about how the tombs were constructed.

"The excavations also showed that the tombs had a long history of reuse both for burial and as focal points in the landscape used to create lineages and connections to both the peoples of the past and, more importantly, the land itself," Michael said.

"The new book 'Stone, Bone & Belonging' presents the results of six years of excavation and research in a clear and informative way that is accessible to both the academic and general reader. It details the history of research into portal tombs in Ireland and places the tombs in their geological and archaeological context before detailing the excavations of the tombs."

Detailed dating and discussion of the results of the research is accompanied by comprehensive analysis of the finds and environmental data by recognised experts in their various fields, all in a fully illustrated and beautifully produced hardback volume.

The book comprises 334 pages, 160 full colour plates and 67 figures and is available to purchase for just €20 from Kerry County Museum, Ashe Memorial Hall, Tralee (P&P €9 extra) in person or by phone on 066 7127777.

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Rotary Club distributes €21,000 to local causes

Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries. […]

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Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries.

The event, which is the club’s primary fundraiser, raised a total of €1,000. These funds were distributed among several local schools and community organisations during a celebratory luncheon.
The schools benefiting from the night include Faha, Fossa, Gael Scoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane, and St. Brendan’s College. Other organisations receiving support include Kerry Hospice, Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley Athletic Club, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, and the Rise & Shine Trust.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan praised the collaborative effort that made the fundraiser possible. “The success of this event is a direct result of shared commitment and community spirit,” she said. She thanked the hands-on involvement of the beneficiary groups, who worked alongside Rotary members to manage the night.
The club also acknowledged key partners Daly’s SuperValu and Killarney Credit Union for their ongoing sponsorship. Additional thanks were extended to the Great Southern Killarney and the Scally Hotel Collection, while Cronin’s Cider was welcomed as a new contributor this year.
A significant portion of the total was raised through an art auction, where local artists and crafters donated 100% of the proceeds from their work to the fund.

Following the success of last year’s fundraiser, Killarney Rotary Club has confirmed the provisional date for the 2026 event.

The 25th annual Wine and Art Night is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The evening will once again feature a showcase of local art and crafts, alongside the popular wine and cheese reception.
Organisers are encouraging artists, sponsors, and community groups to mark the date in their diaries early. Further details regarding venue and ticket sales will be released closer to the event.

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club charity weekend for Jack and Jill

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May […]

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

This year’s event will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The event is sponsored by Truffle Honey.
The weekend will feature a Team of Four competition. Entry is €40 per person or €160 per team. Online entry is available through the club’s booking system at www.killarneygolfclub.ie. A dedicated fundraising page for donations has also been set up at www.idonate.ie.
A charity raffle will also run throughout the weekend, featuring green fees for top golf courses and various prizes donated by local supporters.
“The work Jack and Jill do for families in Kerry and across Ireland is extraordinary,” Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice said in a joint statement. “We are proud to play our part in helping them continue that mission and look forward to welcoming members and visitors for a fantastic weekend of golf.”
Siobhan Reen of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation thanked the club for their support.
“Every euro raised helps us provide vital home nursing care, giving children the chance to be cared for at home, where they belong,” she said.
The foundation currently supports over 490 families across Ireland, including many in County Kerry, providing up to 100 hours of home nursing care per month.
Those looking to enter a team can visit the Killarney Golf Club website (
http://www.killarneygolfclub.ie/), while those wishing to donate can do so via the iDonate fundraiser page for the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Open Captains’ Charity Weekend.
Further information on the services provided by the foundation can be found at www.jackandjill.ie.

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