News
New year, new technological university
Ireland’s newest technological university; Munster Technological University (MTU) has been established - and it's the first university set up in Kerry.
The consortium of Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) was designated as a technological university last year. MTU is a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education and research. MTU has an extensive and impressive regional footprint with six campuses across the South West region in Cork and Kerry, and a student body of 18,000. For Cork, it will be the first university to be established since UCC in 1845.
“The establishment of only the second technological university in the State, the first outside the capital, is another important milestone for higher education in Ireland and, in particular, for the South West," Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD said. "The new Munster Technological University will start its journey and drive access, excellence, and regional development. It will strengthen the links with businesses in the country and the community, all of which will greatly enrich and enhance the South West.”
GROUND-BREAKING
Mr Bob Savage, Chair of MTU’s Governing Body, welcomed the formal establishment of the technological university and the opportunities Munster Technological University creates for the region saying that it marks a "historic day for the future of higher education in Ireland".
"MTU has the potential to be ground-breaking for the South West region by providing a new, flexible teaching and learning framework to students that is informed by research and offers opportunities for students to pursue diverse programmes across the range of levels. I now extend my best wishes to our collective staff, students, and stakeholders who have been instrumental in bringing us to this day."
Also welcoming the inauguration of the new technological university President of Munster Technological University Professor Maggie Cusack added
that the formation "will benefit students, staff, and stakeholders for generations to come".
"The positive regional benefits will be paralleled with global impact from our research and innovation as we maximise the opportunities afforded MTU by the Irish Research Council and through Horizon Europe and the Green Deal."
Killarney hosted the largest orienteering festival ever held on Irish soil this past week, bringing over 2,000 international competitors and generating more than 10,000 bednights for the local area.
Organised by Kerry Orienteers, the week-long event drew participants from 35 countries to take on a series of technical courses across local mountain terrain, indoor spaces, and town streets. Organisers claimed the gathering was the largest of its kind globally.
The festival kicked off at St Brendan’s College with Ireland’s first-ever indoor orienteering event. Competitors then moved into the wild for five days of open mountain challenges around Glenflesk and Kilgarvan, tackling the rugged slopes of Crohane Mountain and Black Lakes.
The action will draw to a close today (Friday) following a high-speed urban street event through the centre of town.
Athlete ages ranged from under 10 to over 80, with Switzerland bringing the largest international group of nearly 300 entrants, alongside major teams from the UK, Finland, France, and Czechia.
Brendan O’Brien of Kerry Orienteers said the club was thrilled with the turnout, noting that the week provided a massive economic boost for local accommodation and tourism while putting Killarney on the global orienteering map.
John O’Donoghue begins 3,000km coastal cycle around Ireland
Killarney man John O’Donoghue set off yesterday on a demanding 3,166km cycle around the entire coast of Ireland to raise vital funds for St. Francis Special School.
John aims to complete the extensive coastal journey over 17 days of continuous cycling, with a target finish date of August 15. The challenge will see him take on changing weather conditions and long hours in the saddle every day as he navigates the perimeter of the country.
All proceeds raised from the fundraiser will go directly to St. Francis Special School to support their ongoing work with children and young people with additional needs. The school provides a caring, inclusive learning environment featuring specialized teaching, therapies, and tailored supports designed to help pupils reach their full potential.
Members of the public can make a donation online to support the cause, and followers can track John’s daily progress along the route via his Instagram page, @kerryjohncycles.
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