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No parade but Killarney to turn green this St Patrick’s Day

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GREEN: The International Hotel will turn green again this March to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

 

By Michelle Crean

Plans for Killarney's St Patrick’s Day parade this March have yet again become a casualty of the COVID crisis with organisers this week saying that it's being shelved for the second year in a row.

Disappointed organisers from Killarney St Patrick’s Festival said that the colourful cultural spectacle - which brings thousands of people and a huge economic boost to the town - won't be going ahead for obvious safety reasons - but plan to mark the day in a very special way by turning the town green - a message they say they will relay to people all over the world in a virtual format.

Businesses are being asked to take part in the Killarney Goes Green initiative to bring some colour to the town and the greening of the town’s iconic buildings, a signature part of the festival in recent years and now an annual tradition, will continue this year with the spotlight falling on landmarks like Ross Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Friary, St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney Methodist Church and Killarney Courthouse.

There will also be prizes for the best greened building and the best dressed shop window.

“We hope and pray that all things being well, we will be back next year with a celebration of St Patrick’s Day like there has never been before and we trust everybody will want to be a part of that celebration,” Paul Sherry, St Patrick’s Festival Chairman, said.

“We hope the town’s business community will again join us by taking part in the Killarney Goes Green initiative for St Patrick’s Day and we invite everybody to shine the green light on their buildings, dress the shop windows and send us images or videos of their efforts,” Paul Sherry said.

“Let’s show the world that, despite the huge challenges, Killarney’s glass will always be more than half full and we promise it will be the place to be for St Patrick’s Day 2022,” he added.

The Killarney St Patrick’s Festival thanked its partners and sponsors Kerry County Council, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Fáilte Ireland and the business community of Killarney for their support and enthusiasm.

Those who would like to visit Killarney next year to be a part of the festival are invited to get in touch through the festival website www.stpatricksfestivalkillarney.ie.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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