News
Politicians quick to jump on Irish Rail bandwagon
Politicians quick to jump on Irish Rail bandwagon
It is no secret that local politicians love to share good news during All-Ireland week.
This image may be reproduced free of charge when used in conjunction with a review of the book. All other usage ©SPORTSFILE
Between the hunt for Croke Park tickets and the usual pre-match buzz, our local representatives have found a new race to run: scrambling to be the first to announce that Iarnród Éireann has added extra train services for the big day.
When Irish Rail confirmed an additional 08:50 service departing Killarney for Heuston on Sunday morning, the press releases flew out almost instantly. Statements rolled in welcoming the news, with politicians eager to highlight the added carriages as if a quick phone call from their office personally got the engine running.
In reality, putting on an extra train when thousands of Kerry supporters are heading for Dublin is simple business logic. Irish Rail saw the massive demand and adjusted its timetable accordingly. The fact that tickets for the extra service sold out within minutes proves it was standard operational common sense rather than political persuasion.
No harm to the lads, but political influence did not secure the extra train.
If our local public representatives do have that kind of pull with state bodies, perhaps they could channel that energy into a issue that really needs a push. For instance, putting that same drive into getting the new Killarney Community Hospital finally open for the town.
In the meantime, safe travels to everyone lucky enough to score a train ticket for Sunday, and let us leave the credit for the timetable to the rail operators.
French for All returns with expanded language courses
Killarney School of French, French for All, will resume its autumn schedule of language classes for children, secondary school students, and adults on September 14.
Led by native French teacher and course director Hélène Olivier-Courtney, the school offers in-person classes across Killarney and Killorglin, alongside online options.
In addition to private tuition, Olivier-Courtney is participating in the Department of Education’s Say Yes to Languages initiative across primary schools in Kerry. She is also working in partnership with Post Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) to deliver funded online training modules for primary school teachers seeking to upskill their language qualifications.
Originally from Tours in the Loire Valley, Olivier-Courtney has taught in County Kerry since 2004. The curriculum focusses on building practical communication skills and supporting exam preparation for state secondary assessments.
Alongside formal tuition, the upcoming term will incorporate cultural events including themed breakfasts, dinners, and quizzes, with plans underway for a student trip to France.
Further course information and enrolment details are available at www.frenchforall.ie.
Sem to host night at the dogs for South Africa trip
Students and teachers at St Brendan’s College are finalising preparations for a charity benefit night at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee on Friday, September 25.
The event aims to raise essential funds for a group from the school travelling to South Africa with the Mellon Educate programme to assist in building educational infrastructure.
A full programme of family entertainment is planned, including novelty races pitting students against staff members, music, raffle draws, and best-dressed competitions for men and women.
A meet-and-greet session with Kerry senior footballers will run from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Attending players include David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, Gavin White, Michael Burns, Evan Looney, Mark O’Shea, and Jason Foley.
An auction on the night features premium items including an overnight stay at Hayfield Manor and a four-ball golf package at Dromoland Castle Hotel.
Tickets cost €10 per person, while children under 12 enter free. Organisers stress that all tickets must be booked in advance via the school office or online QR codes, as no sales will take place at the turnstiles.
French for All returns with expanded language courses
French for All returns with expanded language courses Killarney School of French, French for All, will resume its autumn schedule...
Sem to host night at the dogs for South Africa trip
Sem to host night at the dogs for South Africa trip Students and teachers at St Brendan’s College are finalising...
Local friendship inspires Wicklow charity challenge
Local friendship inspires Wicklow charity challenge A local friendship between a Polish native and a well-known community volunteer has inspired...
Listowel festival honours Gneeveguilla seanchaí Éamon Kelly
Listowel festival honours Gneeveguilla seanchaí Éamon Kelly The Listowel International Storytelling Festival returns from September 17 to 20, featuring four...
Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series
Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
