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‘Outlaw territory’ opens an exciting new chapter

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Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

THE highland country straddling counties Kerry, Cork and Limerick was once an "asylum" for outlaws and a risen peasantry, according to the latest issue of the biennial Sliabh Luachra Journal.

Many of the principal roads that run through the area today were not built until the 1820s and 1930s by the British authorities who wanted to gain more control of the territory.

"The wild hilly country on the borders of the three counties was outlaw territory," writes Martin Murphy in an article on Whiteboys and Ribbonmen, relating the activities of secret societies against landlordism.

This vast region of around 1,000 square miles did not have proper roads, a British Government report noted in 1822. Engineer Richard Griffiths was commissioned to design and improve roads and he also built stone-arched bridges still in use today.

Griffiths described Sliabh Luachra as an asylum for Whiteboys and robbers whose "wickedness had frequently escaped punishment".

The 17th issue of the local history journal, published by Cumann Luachra, was launched by Fr Pat Moore, in Gneeveguilla.

The story of the 1916 Easter Rising, in which volunteer Patrick O’Connor, from Rathmore, was killed, features prominently in the 120-page journal.

Popular accordionist John Brosnan, who lives in Milleen, Kilcummin, tells of his life and times. There’s also an article on céilí bands in Sliabh Luachra by journal editor Donal Hickey.

A trip to Killarney Fair as a boy with his father in the 1940s is recalled by John Kelly. He had a day off from school to drive in cattle they sold at the fair.

"In those days, towns didn’t have fancy restaurants, but they had “’ating houses” where hungry farmers and their sons could get good feeds of bacon and cabbage and plenty of plain, wholesome food," notes editor Donal Hickey.

Bohereencaol, in Killarney, had three such establishments, all of which did brisk business on fair and market days.

The Kellys’ favourite was Mrs Twomey’s, run by a woman known for her generous portions.

The journal is on sale for €12.The journal would make a welcome Christmas gift and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstreet.
 


 
Above: Donal and Kathleen Hickey pictured at the launch of the annual Sliabh Luachra Journal 1916 Souvenir Edition. The journal is an ideal Christmas read and is available in shops in Sliabh Luachra, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore and Millstream. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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