News
New programme launched to support hotel industry
South Kerry Skillnet, along with the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI) and Munster Technological University, Tralee have launched a national Accommodation Supervisory Management programme.
It is a free management development programme to aid post-pandemic recovery in the hospitality sector by training the unemployed in much sought-after skills, with the aim of finding them employment. Applications are now open for the programme, which is aimed at previous or potential accommodation managers and those who are unemployed with relevant experience in the industry.
The programme is funded through Skills Connect, an initiative from Skillnet Ireland, and was developed in partnership with enterprise, to enhance cross-sector employability and support those who have lost their jobs. The Accommodation Supervisory Management (Level 6 Special Purpose Award) will run online over a 12-week period commencing on September 27, for approximately two days a week (five hours a day).
South Kerry Skillnet Network Manager Aoife O’Reilly said the course will address skills gaps in the industry.
“The tourism and hospitality sectors continue to deal with the many challenges that COVID-19 has brought. This programme has been developed by South Kerry Skillnet as a response to requests from the hotel industry for a focused programme in Accommodation Supervisory Management. South Kerry Skillnet is delighted to offer this national online programme which will be providing management and supervisory training to the hospitality industry, giving businesses the tools to support their teams and get them ready for the recovery.”
Mary Rose Stafford Munster Technological University added that “At Munster Technological University we are conscious of the need to support affected sectors in responding to the pandemic".
"Retraining people for the ‘new normal’ is easily said and often difficult to implement. We look forward to working with South Kerry Skillnet to offer this online national Accommodation Supervisory Management programme. This is a practical and actionable programme that will help address a current need within the hospitality sector.”
To find out more about this programme or to view South Kerry Skillnet’s full range of programmes, please visit www.kerryskillnet.ie or call Aoife on 066 9762477.
Closing date for applications is September 13, and places are limited.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
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