News
Positive progress on Community Hospital as opening moves closer
There is renewed optimism about healthcare services in Kerry following confirmation that the new Killarney Community Hospital is on track to open early next year.
The update was provided after Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill sought clarity from the HSE on bed capacity and timelines for the facility.
The new hospital, located on the Bypass Road, contains 130 single en-suite bedrooms.
According to the HSE, the building will be handed over this month, with occupation expected in the first quarter of 2026.
This represents a significant increase on the 101 beds currently available at St Columbanus’ Hospital.
Deputy Cahill said the progress is welcome and long overdue, noting that the expanded bed capacity will benefit communities across the county.
He added that he has continued to raise the issue in the Dáil and through the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
FESTIVAL HIT: Liam O’Connor at Electric Picnic – picture special
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards,...
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
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