News
Plenty of capers in Killarney!
KENMARE CAPERS: The Kenmare group at the Macra na Feirme Capers semi-finals in the Great Southern Killarney. Seated from left are: Joanne Mac, Damien Price, Helena Rice, Rachel Healy, Seamus Healy and Katie Mac. Standing from left are: Linda Kelleher, Sophie Kehoe, John Michael Fitzgerald and Ciara Price. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
By Sean Moriarty
From singing and dancing to comedy and drama, there was plenty of capers at the Great Southern Killarney last weekend.
It was all part of an entertaining night by the Kerry branch of Macra Na Feirme who hosted one of three national ‘Macra Caper Variety Show’ semi-finals on Saturday, January 11.
The competition is designed for Macra clubs nationwide wishing to gain experience in producing and performing a light entertainment variety show.
Each year a local county branch hosts one of three regional semi-finals ahead of the national finals which are scheduled for Ovens, County Cork next month.
“It was a great night, it ran very smoothly and the hotel staff were so helpful,” Kerry Branch secretary Joanne Lawlor told the Killarney Advertiser.
Both Freemount and Whitegate from Cork were declared the regional winners following Saturday night’s variety show that was witnessed by 300 people. Kenmare was the only local group to contest the Killarney semi-final but their bid to progress was unsuccessful this time around.
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Kerry Macra officers Sean Joy (Chairman), Robert Lucey (Treasurer), Joanne Lawlor (Secretary) and Gearoid O'Sullivan (Young Farmers Officer) at the Macra na Feirme Capers semi-finals in the Great Southern Killarney on Saturday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh[/caption]
The semi-final locations are decided by an open draw and as a result Killarney contested their semi-final in Mountmellick on Saturday night. Unfortunately they did not made the cut for the final, but Killarney member Conor Brosnan was named as the ‘Best Actor on the Night’.
Kerry will host the Macra Na Feirme National Rally for the first time in 30 years in October. The Tralee-based three-day event will include a national awards ceremony, agricultural talks and farm tours. The group hope to include visits to the Killarney Brewing Company and the Liberator Whiskey Distillery in Fossa as its alternative farming tour.
“The fact that we were able to run Saturday night’s event without a hitch shows the National Office that are well able to take on the organising of the National Rally,” Joanne added.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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