News
Pat thankful no one hurt in house fire
By Michelle Crean
A much loved Killarney hairdresser - whose house was destroyed following a devastating fire - has thanked the public for their support.
Still recovering from the shock, Pat O'Neill also issued a warning to homeowners to check their contents insurance - as he and his wife Geraldine have been left with a big bill as they repair the damage including ceilings which caved in.Fire crews rushed to the scene in Ballaugh during the daytime on Thursday, July 29 after his 12-year-old son Finn ran to the neighbours barefoot for help with the family's two dogs.
"I was at work and Finn was at home lying on the carpet on his iPad when he saw smoke. He ran out barefoot and alerted the neighbours. Geraldine had gone to collect our son Luke who is working in Scotts for the summer," Pat told the Killarney Advertiser. "The kitchen is gone, everything inside has to be thrown out. "The den area was also totally destroyed including ceilings and it could take up to nine months before they can return to live there.He said that it all happened so fast but is "thankful" no one was hurt.
In the meantime, he, Geraldine and their children, Finn, Lara (14) and Luke (16) are staying in a nearby home owned by one of their neighbours.
"We did get a fright but there's always someone worse off than you."
He issued a word of advice to homeowners to have their insurance up to date. "We're under insured. You take it out years ago and it comes about every year and rolls over. For an extra €45 or so, the price of a meal, is all it costs. It could have been a lot worse."
However, he said some things are irreplaceable including oil paintings of his father and his football memorabilia. He also thanked his neighbours for their quick action and the fire crews for their help.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
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