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New Mayor aims to protect traditional shopfronts

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Concerns have been raised about the appearance of shopfronts in Killarney, with fears that the town centre could become "tacky."

It is understood that Westport in County Mayo is the only Municipal District that has moved to protect traditional shop fronts, and newly elected Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, wants Killarney to follow suit.
At Friday's Killarney Municipal District Meeting, Mayor Grady passed a motion asking "That Kerry County Council would formulate a policy relating to shopfronts in Killarney Municipal District to ensure conformity in their appearance."
Mayor Grady stated that the current policy has too many exemptions and not enough restrictions.
He pointed out that planning permission is not required to change shopfronts unless the use of the building changes.
He said it was difficult for people to hang a flower basket in town, yet some retail shops display bright colours, neon lights, and various items in their windows.
He fears that if this continues, Killarney will "lose its character and become tacky."
In response to the motion, a council official replied that Kerry County Council has already published detailed Shopfront Design Guidelines.
These guidelines offer advice on materials, colours, signage, lighting, advertising, and how a shop front relates to nearby buildings. These guidelines are available on the Council’s website.

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Diabetes expert Dr Omer Taha to address local health meeting

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Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Omer Taha from the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming HeartBeat meeting on June 30.

The meeting will commence at 8pm in the Parish Centre on Park Road.

Dr Taha will speak about Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2, detailing all diabetes-related complications.

The talk will be followed by a question and answer session, alongside tea, coffee, and biscuits. Special informational booklets from Diabetes Ireland, focused on living well with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, will also be available on the night.

All are welcome to attend.


The announcement follows last month’s meeting, which focused on the Kerry Stroke Support Group. Guest speaker Stephanie Stretton delivered a talk on stroke aftercare, recovery, and the health and wellbeing needs of survivors.


A key piece of advice highlighted was that anyone suffering a stroke while away from home in the countryside should call 112, as emergency services can track the phone location immediately to save valuable time.


The Kerry Stroke Support Group continues to hold its monthly meetings on the last Thursday of each month at the Baile Mhuire Day Centre in Tralee.


Meanwhile, HeartBeat recently received a generous financial boost. Paul Sherry, Manager of the Killarney Outlet Centre, successfully applied to the Pavers Annual Charities Funding Event on behalf of the group. As a result, Pavers London has donated £1,000 sterling, equivalent to over €1,200.

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National award for Liam O’Connor’s family band

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Killarney accordionist Liam O’Connor and his family band have won the Family Band of the Year award at the 2026 Irish Entertainment Awards.


The star-studded ceremony took place on June 18 at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, County Donegal.


The annual event brings together musicians, performers, and personalities to recognise outstanding achievements across the Irish entertainment industry.


O’Connor said he was delighted and honoured to receive the accolade. During the event, the local musician shared the stage with a line-up of performers including singer Simon Casey and actor Patrick Bergin.

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