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O’Donoghue returns to action for Escort Challenge in Carlow

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While he was a notable absence from the recent Rally of the Lakes, local driver Colin O’Donoghue is set to make up for lost time by contesting two of the biggest Ford Escort Mk2 events of the summer.

His campaign begins this weekend at the Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow Stages Rally, the third round of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship.

The rally hosts the long-running Ford Escort Mk2 Challenge, where O’Donoghue is the only Kerry driver in the field.

This is his first outing since he won the modified section of the Killarney Historic Rally last November.

He will be up against several top Escort drivers, including the current champion Mk2 Challenge, Frank Kelly.

The event serves as a warm-up for O’Donoghue’s planned trip to Belgium later this year. He will compete in the Escort Rally Special in Chimay in September, an event he won in 2021.

Other local competitors are also heading to Carlow. Killarney co-driver Ger Conway is back with Welsh driver Meirion Evans in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

The pair last competed together when they finished second overall at both the Donegal International and the Rally of the Lakes last year.

In the modified classes, several Killarney and District Motor Club navigators are on the entry list.

John McCarthy from Currow is pairing up with Meath’s Peter Wilson in a Ford Escort at car 48.

At car 78, Sean Nolan joins Tipperary’s Jason O’Brien for the first time. Niall Myers also travels to Carlow following a successful weekend at the Manx National last weekend, where he took a class podium alongside Gary Healy in a Honda Civic.

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Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best

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Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best


Boardwalk Coffee Killarney secures 48th place in prestigious European awards


There is great excitement in Killarney this week as Boardwalk Coffee Killarney has officially been ranked 48th Best Coffee Shop in Europe for 2026, following the prestigious Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala held in Brussels.
In a competition where over 5,300 coffee shops across Europe were evaluated, the Killarney outlet secured an outstanding place among the continent’s elite, putting both Killarney and Kerry firmly on the international coffee map.
The achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that Boardwalk Coffee Killarney is the only coffee shop in Munster to make the Top 100 list and is one of only nine coffee shops in Ireland to be recognised.
Adding to the success story, the Killarney branch only opened its doors in April 2025, making this international recognition all the more extraordinary in such a short space of time.
At the centre of the achievement is Jason Murphy, manager of the Killarney branch, who was recently named among the Top 12 Baristas in Ireland — recognition of his skill, dedication and passion for the craft.
Jason’s leadership, together with the strength of the wider Boardwalk Coffee team, has played a major role in securing the prestigious European ranking.
Located in the heart of Killarney, one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations, Boardwalk Coffee has quickly built a strong reputation for premium coffee, excellent service and a warm welcome for both locals and visitors alike.
Speaking after the announcement in Brussels, Boardwalk Coffee founder Ger Flanagan praised the Killarney team for their commitment and professionalism.
He paid special tribute to Jason Murphy and Vadym Zvarch, Head Roaster at Boardwalk Coffee, for helping build the brand’s growing reputation for quality.
The achievement has also been warmly welcomed by civic leaders, with Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, describing it as a major Irish success story and congratulating the entire team.
To be ranked 48th in Europe, and to be the only Munster coffee shop to achieve the honour, is a major milestone not only for Boardwalk Coffee, but for Killarney, Kerry and Irish hospitality.
It is another strong example of how Irish independent coffee culture continues to gain recognition on the world stage.

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Ardshanavooley residents attend Community Text Alerts information evening

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Residents of Ardshanavooley and members of An Garda Síochána gathered at the Killarney Pastoral Centre on Rock Road recently for a community information evening to launch a new Community Text Alerts initiative.

The event focused on encouraging local people to get involved in making their area a safer place to live, work and visit.

The programme aims to strengthen links between residents and Gardaí by sharing important safety information and alerts quickly within the community.

During the evening, attendees heard practical advice on crime prevention, including home security, protecting vehicles and property, and raising awareness around scams and fraud.

Information was also provided on how the programme works, the benefits for residents, and the importance of neighbours working together.

Attendees were given the opportunity to register their interest, sign up to the system and volunteer for future community safety initiatives.

Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the new programme and said he was delighted to see it being rolled out, with hopes that it will now expand to other areas.


“The initiative would be particularly beneficial for those who are not active on social media, ensuring that nobody is left out when important community information is being shared,” Cllr Grady said.

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