Connect with us

News

Patrick O’Connor Scarteen to consider General Election options

Published

on

By Sean Moriarty

Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen has said that he would consider running for Dáil Eireann in the next General Election.

NOT RUNNING: Kerry TD Brendan Griffin has announced that he will not contest the next General Election.

CONSIDERATION: Kenmare Municipal District Mayor Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen says he will consider a General Election campaign.

The Killarney resident, who is the current Mayor of the Kenmare Municipal District, paid tribute to his fellow Fine Gael member Brendan Griffin TD who announced today (Tuesday) that he is not going to contest the next election.

Griffin said that family reasons were the main factors in his decision to withdraw from national politics. However, it is also understood that Mr Griffin was left disappointed that he did not secure a ministerial position in the Government reshuffle just before Christmas.

Griffin was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 2011 after a stint with Kerry County Council.

He was re-elected in the 2016 and 2020 elections. In that time, he served as Junior Minister for Sport and Tourism and more recent was the Fine Gael party’s deputy chief whip.

Mayor O’Connor-Scarteen paid tribute to his Fine Gael colleague.

"I wish my friend and colleague Brendan Griffin and his family all the best for the future. We were both elected to Kerry County Council in 2009 and have worked closely as part of the Fine Gael team in Kerry,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Brendan has always been a true public servant, hardworking, honest and very capable. His strong vote in three General Elections regardless of national political swings is testament to the high esteem he is held by the people of Kerry. He combines a great skill in delivering for Kerry people on grass roots issues and making his voice heard on national and legislative issues.”

Griffin’s departure will leave Fine Gael vulnerable in the next election which is about two years away if the current Government serves its full term.

O’Connor-Scarteen says it’s too early to say for certain if he will run, but will give it consideration.

"The Fine Gael team in Kerry will be strategising on how best to progress in next year's Local Elections and the General Election whenever that happens," he added.

“I will consider it in due course.”

Advertisement

News

All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

Published

on

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Continue Reading

News

Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

Published

on

By

The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport