News
Over 80 events planned for new and growing businesses
Established businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to network and discover the assistance available to them during Kerry Month of Enterprise (KMOE) this March.
Now in its ninth year, KMOE is a collaborative inter-agency initiative, which aims to shine a spotlight on just some of the enterprise activities on offer all year round across Kerry and remind businesses of the wide range of supports available to them, especially at this challenging time.
The month is designed and delivered by a partnership including Munster Technological University, Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, North, East & West Kerry Development; South Kerry Partnership Development, IDA, Udarás na Gaeltachta, IRD Duhallow and various companies and organisations throughout the county.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how important it is for business owners to access the supports available to them within their own region.
The calendar of events for 2022, which can be viewed at www.kmoe.ie, includes over 80 events across the month. The countywide events cater for businesses at various stages of development across many sectors from start-ups to established and growing businesses. All events must be booked in advance.
“Kerry is a county with entrepreneurship in its DNA and never has it been more important to support our business community," Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, said.
"Kerry Month of Enterprise has grown year after year, from a small calendar of about 20 events in 2013 to over 80 events this year. Kerry Month of Enterprise celebrates excellence in enterprise and shines a light on the activities that are ongoing throughout the year and the value that the partners involved bring to our county. Congratulations to all involved.”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Highlights of the calendar of events for Kerry Month of Enterprise include a series of virtual 'Start Your Own Business' focused workshops hosted by the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, focused on branding, food business and sales and marketing, among others. Udarás na Gaeltachta will host sessions on how to boost online presence in a post-pandemic world and managing remote workers and SKDP, IRD Duhallow and NEWKD will host a number of events focused on supports including a Governance for Social Enterprises and Accounting for New Small Businesses. Munster Technological University will once again play host to the Kerry Start-up Challenge, New Frontiers Showcase, and a host of other events aimed at developing entrepreneurial mindset and enterprise creation.
"A great deal of time and effort has gone into arranging a wide range of events over the coming weeks with the diversity of the business sector in Kerry to the fore," the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Cahill, said. "I want to thank the many agencies involved for bringing together an exciting and engaging programme."
Kerry County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell encouraged participation in the wide range of events.
“The Kerry Month of Enterprise is a great opportunity, particularly at this challenging time, for businesses to engage with each other and the supports on offer from a wide range of agencies and I encourage anyone in business to take part.”
Bríd McElligott, Vice President Research, Development & External Engagement at Munster Technological University added that “the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for supports for all industry sectors within the Kerry region".
"Kerry Month of Enterprise offers a comprehensive spotlight during the month of March highlighting the various supports and initiatives that are available throughout the year. As we prepare for a post-COVID business environment, we want to showcase the supports that are available to ensure that Kerry’s economic recovery is maximised in as short a timeframe as possible.”
A full schedule of events is available at www.kmoe.ie.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting!
Three jaunting cars, a gang of Kilcummin characters, two unsuspecting Americans and a few amorous stags. What could go wrong?
There was no shortage of horsepower, laughs or local characters when Kilcummin Men’s Shed descended on Killarney for a memorable morning out on Friday, October 16.
Swapping their usual surroundings for something more traditional, the lads climbed aboard three jaunting cars at the Ha-Ha before setting off through Killarney National Park.
Wrapped up in blankets and looking every inch the distinguished gentlemen, the group enjoyed the spectacular autumn scenery, fresh air and plenty of good-natured banter.
Of course, their timing couldn’t have been better. With the deer rutting season in full swing, Killarney’s famous red stags were busy roaring, strutting and competing for female attention.
Some of the Kilcummin lads reportedly recognised similar behaviour from their younger days, although others wisely maintained a dignified silence!
But the real entertainment began when one carriage picked up two American tourists from Utah.
The visitors had presumably expected a peaceful journey through Killarney’s beautiful countryside, perhaps with a bit of local history and some wildlife spotting.
Instead, they found themselves sharing a carriage with members of Kilcummin Men’s Shed, a group well able to provide their own unique brand of Irish entertainment!
Quite what the Americans made of their unexpected travelling companions remains unknown, but they’ll certainly have a story to bring home.
Meanwhile, the horses patiently carried their cheerful passengers through the park, while the camera captured plenty of smiles, laughter and a few poses worthy of a royal procession.
By the time the three-carriage convoy returned to the Ha-Ha, everyone was delighted with their morning’s adventure.
The group thanked the jarveys, their hardworking horses and everyone involved in organising the outing.
Beyond the laughs, the excursion highlighted the friendship, companionship, and community spirit at the heart of Kilcummin Men’s Shed, where getting together and enjoying life matter most.
As the lads proudly declare, “Growing old is compulsory, but growing up is entirely optional!”
As for the two Americans, nobody knows whether they’ve recovered from their unexpected introduction to Kilcummin humour. One thing’s certain: they got considerably more than the standard sightseeing tour!
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