News
New GAA partnership is “first of its kind” in Ireland

A new partnership between Kerry GAA and the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee (BSHT) has been described as the "first of its kind for a County Board in Ireland".
Both Bon Secours Hospital Tralee (BSHT) and the Kerry GAA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the hospital to become a new health partner.
Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Kerry GAA and BSHT will collaborate across a range of mutually beneficial areas. This collaboration will include our elite players having access to physiotherapy services, certain diagnostic testing, DEXA scans and other diagnostics as required.
The collaboration will also include BSHT basing their Physiotherapy Out-Patient Service in the Currans Centre of Excellence along with other office-based staff.
The document was signed on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee by Mr TJ O’Connor, CEO and on behalf of the Kerry GAA by its Chairman, Mr Patrick O’Sullivan. The partnership has been agreed initially until 2027 and both the hospital and the Kerry GAA are keen to see this partnership develop into a longer-term relationship.
Mr TJ O’Connor, CEO of Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, welcomed the agreement.
“Bon Secours Tralee is very happy to sign this MOU with Kerry GAA," he said.
"When Liam Lynch first approached us with his vision for this partnership arrangement, we immediately embraced the concept and are delighted to bring it to fruition. We look forward to sharing our state-of-the-art facilities and people with our elite GAA athletes over the coming years for the ultimate benefit of our GAA teams in Kerry."
Mr Patrick O’Sullivan, Chairman of Kerry GAA, said that the new agreement will be of great benefit to Kerry GAA.
“Having access to the facilities, services and people in the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee for our elite GAA teams is an imperative in the modern game," he said.
"Quick access to diagnostic testing and scanning plays a critical role in facilitating early diagnosis, rehabilitation and return to play. Having this speedy access to these services and the range of specialist at the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee will ensure that our players receive the best possible care and are back on the pitch as soon as possible. This is hugely important to us and we look forward to developing and expanding our partnership with BSHT over the coming years.”
Ms Rosalie Stack, Physiotherapy Manager, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee said “this is a really exciting opportunity for the Physiotherapy Department in BSHT".
"We look forward to recruiting some additional staff and working collaboratively with Kerry GAA in the months and years ahead.”
Mr Liam Lynch, Vice Chairman, Kerry GAA said “this partnership arrangement with BSHT is the first of its kind for a County Board in Ireland".
"We are excited and delighted that we have been able to make this innovative proposal a reality.”
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.