News
“Online bullying a political priority” says Killarney MEP
Killarney man and Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly is behind a new campaign to keep children safe online.
Following a campaign by Mr Kelly, new EU measures to prevent online bullying of young people has been named as a political priority by the European Parliament’s largest grouping, the European People’s Party (EPP).
A policy paper launched by the EPP Group insists that the forthcoming EU strategy must keep children safe, protect their rights, guarantee their basic needs are met and empower them to thrive in life ahead of European Commission proposals due tomorrow (Wednesday).
“My EPP colleagues and I insist that the new EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child should take the lessons learned due to the rise of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic into account. The strategy needs to include provision for targeting the root cause of online bullying, as well as equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to effectively respond if they experience cyberbullying," Mr Kelly said.
“Tragically, children in the EU are still suffering physical, sexual, economic and psychological violence. We cannot tolerate any violence against children and given the increasing time young people spend online, we need to seriously address the dangers the Internet poses. That includes preventing and eliminating child sexual abuse including the detection of child sexual abuse material online, apprehending the perpetrators and providing help and support for victims. These are absolute priorities."
He added that the past months have accelerated the already existing trend shifting children’s activities to an online reality.
"It is important to provide a high-quality and inclusive education for all children in Europe. Digital literacy is key in order for children to navigate the Internet as safely as possible. This includes ensuring equal access to the digital tools of remote learning. No child should be left behind."
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National...
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
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