News
New faces at the helm of Killarney Chamber

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has appointed a new senior executive to oversee the day-to-day running of the business organisation.
The chamber announced Bridget O’Keeffe, a native of Newmarket, Co Cork and a Killarney resident, as its new chief at its Annual General Meeting on Friday.
She will work closely with events manager Katy Jacobi and the Chamber executive.
This is a new departure for the Chamber but follows other similar moves by commercial bodies across the country.
Friday’s AGM marked Niall Kelleher’s last official engagement as Chamber president.
He will be replaced by hotelier Pádraig Treacy and restaurateur Johnny McGuire who will share the role.
“We have one chance to get this new governance and development plan right at the first opportunity, but we must show a little patience along the way and we must do it properly by making an effort every day of the week,” Mr Kelleher said in his outgoing speech.
“Bringing the Chamber to exactly where the members want it to be will take time. It will take perseverance and it will take hard work, but that work will have to be done – it will be done and we will get there one step at a time.”
GOING FORWARD
Bridget O’Keeffe, who formerly worked with Fexco, has set out a list of objectives for the future.
They include boosting Chamber membership numbers, addressing key issues such as parking, traffic management and public realm developments.
“Going forward, Chamber will also be forming a number of sub-committees to oversee essential areas such as membership and management, brand communication and reputational management, advocacy, events and sustainability,” said a Chamber statement.
News
Killarney twinned with Italian town
By Sean Moriarty It has taken 10 years but the Italian town of Casperia is now an official twin town with Killarney. The idea to twin the picturesque town near […]

By Sean Moriarty
It has taken 10 years but the Italian town of Casperia is now an official twin town with Killarney.
The idea to twin the picturesque town near Rome was first mooted by the old Killarney Town Council.
However, when town councils were discontinued in 2014 the task was handed over to Killarney Town Twining Association and was supported by the elected Killarney Municipal District members of Kerry County Council.
A delegation from the association and the council visited Casperia in 2019 to sign the Italian side of the twining agreement.
The pandemic further delayed the process but on Thursday last Killarney Mayor Niall Kelleher and Casperia Mayor Marco Cusso met to formally sign the charter in Killarney.
“This was honouring a commitment made by the former town council to establish a twinning under European guidelines back in 2014,” said association chairman Sean Counihan.
“Unfortunately the town councils were abolished and Killarney Town Twinning Association pursued the matter.
“We are delighted that the municipal authority saw fit to move the beautiful town of Casperia near Rome from association status to full twinning with Killarney.
“We deeply appreciate the members’ positivity in honouring the former Town Council’s decision.”
The signing between the two mayors took place over the St Patrick’s Festival weekend when Killarney Town Twining Association also welcomed groups from other towns like Pleindfeld in Germany and Concord, North Carolina, USA.
News
Music and fun at Fossa Rambling House
By Sean Moriarty The Fossa Two Mile branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann held its first Rambling House night of music and dance on Saturday night. Their return to the stage […]

By Sean Moriarty
The Fossa Two Mile branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann held its first Rambling House night of music and dance on Saturday night.
Their return to the stage was timed to coincide with the St Patrick’s weekend celebration and also marked the first big event at the Castlerosse Park Resort since it re-opened on Thursday night following its winter break.
As well as a feat of Irish music, dance and poetry, Fossa-based Ukrainians gave performances in their native language too.
“What a great night we had at our CCÉ Rambling House last Saturday night,” Chairman Tim Kissane said.
“There are so many people to thank that we apologise in advance if we miss anybody out. Firstly, to the management and staff Castlerosse Park Resort for hosting our event and the wonderful service they provided.
“To our very talented stalwart musicians Mike Jack, Noreen and Maura who entertained us all so well from start to finish.
“To all our guest performers, from The Racing Pigeons to the Biddy Group and all the singers, musicians and storytellers in between go raibh mile maith agaibh. Special mention to our Ukrainian singers who performed two songs in their native language for us on the night. Thank you to all our members and supporters and to Fear an Tí, Mick Myers agus Bean an Tí, Theresa Kissane who kept the night flowing. Our fireplace display was kindly lent to us by the Beaufort Pioneers and adorned with ‘things of old’ from Brendan O’Sullivan.”
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