News
New Ryanair chief operations officer to get Killarney talking about tourism
T
THE man handed the responsibility of steering Ryanair out of its current difficulties and plotting a successful future for the low-cost carrier has been lined up as one of the keynote speakers at a major tourism conference planned for Killarney.
Peter Bellew, who has just been appointed to the high-profile position of chief operations officer with the airline, will be one of the guest speakers at the second annual Let’s Talk Tourism forum on Friday and Saturday, November 10/11.
He is leaving his post as chief executive of Malaysia Airlines to join Michael O’Leary in an airline he has worked for in the past. “I am excited to return home to Ryanair and take up the challenge to grow the operation sustainably,” he said.
Mr Bellew, 52, a native of Meath and a graduate of Trinity College, has been living in Fossa, Killarney for several years. He is married to Grainne and they have four children.
He previously worked with Kerry Airport as marketing manager and airport manager and later became director of flight operations with Ryanair before being headhunted by Malaysia Airlines.
Other key speakers at the one-day forum in the Brehon Hotel will include Fáilte Ireland chief executive
Paul Kelly, Mark Henry of Tourism Ireland, Fiona Monaghan, head of the Wild Atlantic Way project at Fáilte Ireland, Guinness Storehouse boss Paul Carty, Minister of State for Tourism Brendan Griffin and Kerry County Council CEO Moira Murrell.
Also on the panel will be John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas, John Brennan of the Park Hotel, Kenmare, B+B Ireland CEO Helena Healy, travel and food writers Eoghan Corry and Pól Ó Conghaile and Solas chief Paul O’Toole.
Let’s Talk Tourism is a forum for the grassroots of all sectors within tourism to discuss and debate the industry going forward. Issues to be addressed include regionalisation and seasonality, access, skills and manpower and digital trends.
The forum moderator will be broadcaster Olivia O’Leary and the event chairperson is Killarney-based Margaret Cahill who previously headed up operations for Bord Fáilte and, later, Tourism Ireland in North America, Canada and the UK. “This event will have appeal to a cross section of senior professionals. This a not-for-profit event as it is simply an attempt to create a vibrant and meaningful debate on some current aspects of travel and tourism,” Ms Cahill said.
To attend the conference or for further information contact 064-7767181 or email: bookings@ntf.ie
Above: At the launch of the National Tourism Forum/Let's Talk Tourism Conference which takes place in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney, on November 10 and 11 were front from left, Emer Corridan, IHF, Sean Healy, AIB and Margaret Cahill, Chairperson, NTF. At back, Ciara O'Grady, NTF, Paul O'Neill, President, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and Joan McCarthy, Kerry County Council. Pic: Don MacMonagle
News
Maine Valley Golf Club raises €13,050

Maine Valley Members Golf Club hosted a Comfort for Chemo Golf Fundraiser in memory of Kathy Scannell. The fundraiser was a great success raising €13,050. Clonkeen Forestry Services sponsored the event, and a cheque was presented to Mary Fitzgerald, Paul McCarthy and Mary Horgan on behalf of Comfort for Chemo.
Maine Valley Members Golf Club and Clonkeen Forestry services would like to thank all those who sponsored T-boxes, golf teams, and those who purchased tickets for the event. They would also like to thank Tom Barry from Killarney Printing for all the print works.
News
Dóchas Drama Group’s series of short plays is go!
The Dóchas Drama Group will run a series of short plays at the Muckross Schoolhouse from December 5 to 7. The group’s annual performance has been switched to the Muckross […]

The Dóchas Drama Group will run a series of short plays at the Muckross Schoolhouse from December 5 to 7.
The group’s annual performance has been switched to the Muckross venue as its traditional base – the ballroom in the Killarney Avenue Hotel is being refurbished.
“If you are fed up with the incessant rain and constant bad news. Do you need a break? Are tired of listening to advice about your Christmas cake recipe? There is a perfect solution,” said the group’s Liz Ryan.
“We will present six short plays and some of the questions you may ask yourself are:
“Why is Jane suddenly so honest?
“What did happen on December 9. Will Tiffany be promoted? Will Mags eventually find love?
“Can lost love be re-kindled? What do grandparents get up to when they’re babysitting?
For answers to these questions and more, come along to Muckross Schoolhouse on December 5, 6 and 7.”