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No language barrier in Kerry
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ANYONE walking along the stretch of the Kerry Way between Lord Brandon’s Cottage and the Bride Valley on a recent Saturday could be forgiven for wondering which country exactly they were in given the multi-lingual tones that were to be heard along the route.
This was all to do with a walk organised by the Kerry Folklore Group (Béaloideas Chiarraí) aimed at promoting the multi-lingual Kerry Way Folklore & Heritage App but also coincided with a major announcement in relation to the next phase of this project.
The app, which currently covers the stretch of the Kerry Way between Lord Brandon’s Cottage and Glencar, provides users with the opportunity to learn about the heritage and important archaeological sites along the route. People also get to hear what life was like down through the years in the region through hearing recordings of local people. Once downloaded, the different elements are triggered by GPS as one walks along the route.
Amongst those on the walk to experience the app was German Ambassador Herr Matthias Hӧpfner and his wife Tina, Kerry’s newest Minister Brendan Griffin, football legend Micky Ned O’Sullivan, MEP Seán Kelly and representatives of tourism businesses and organisations from around the region. Welcoming everyone to the event, chair of Kerry Folklore Johnny O’Connor thanked all of the organisations who supported the development of the App and said that it was the hope of committee that it would encourage many more people to enjoy the Kerry Way walk while helping to preserve the heritage of the region.
Before the walkers set off on the route, SKDP CEO Noel Spillane broke the excellent news that the Kerry Folklore project application for circa €20,000 in funding under the 2014-2020 Rural Development (LEADER) Programme to enable the app cover the remaining sections of the Kerry Way had been successful. Kerry Group’s Frank Hayes then announced that Kerry Group would again be delighted to provide the match funding to enable the completion of the project. This news added a spring to the step of all the walkers in attendance. Visit www.kerrywayfolkloreandheritage.com to download.
Above: Minister of State Brendan Griffin, joined by German Ambassador Herr Matthias Hӧpfner and his wife Tina, MEP Sean Kelly, Gloria O’Driscoll, SKDP, chairperson, Frank Hayes, Kerry Group, Noel Spillane, CEO, SKDP, Mickey Ned O’Sullivan, John O’Connor, Declan Murphy, Fáilte Ireland, Sean O’Suilleabháin, founder, Kerry Way, Seán De Buitléir, SKDP, Margo Boerma, tour guide, Mike Morris, Solas. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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