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Public invited to inaugural ‘Call of the Wild’ events

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By Michelle Crean   

It's not often members of the public get a safe close up look at the native Red deer - but soon they can with two days of events at Killarney National Park. 

AUTUMN WATCH: Autumn is considered the highlight of the Killarney National Park nature calendar. Pictured are: Danny O’Keeffe (2nd left) District Conservation Officer NPWS. Also included are Conservation Rangers Sam Bayley (1st left) Padrúig O'Sullivan and Sean Forde. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

This year marks the inaugural ‘Call of the Wild’ autumn gathering - the highlight of the Killarney National Park nature calendar - and it takes place on Saturday and Sunday October 15 and 16.

The programme will be presented by the Conservation Rangers of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), led by Danny O’Keeffe, District Conservation Officer.

Killarney National Park was the first National Park in Ireland, it encompasses 10,000 hectares of diverse ecology, ancient oak and yew woodlands - the most extensive covering of native forest of international importance, the famous Lakes of Killarney, the monastic 6th century Innisfallen Island, Muckross House and Killarney House and Gardens. There the renowned native Irish Red deer - the largest and only native species with a continuous presence in Ireland since the end of the last Ice Age (c.10,000 BC) - live.

Paudie O’Leary was the Head Conservation Ranger at Killarney National Park, and sadly passed away unexpectedly in August 2012. This year to honour Paudie’s memory, Divisional Manager Killarney National Park, Eamonn Meskell, will deliver the inaugural Paudie O’Leary lecture at Killarney House Auditorium on Saturday October 15 at 3pm.

Other events include Autumn Dawn Watch, Photographic Workshops, Children's Autumn Watch with Killarney National Park Education Centre based at Knockreer House, Autumn Night Watch, and an informal discussion of the work of NPWS Conservation Rangers chaired by Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell.

Programme

Saturday October 15

7.30am: Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering takes place. National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local Conservation Rangers meet at Knockreer Gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) walking tour observing native Irish deer, flora and fauna during the autumn season.

Early morning self guide photographic opportunities within Killarney Demesne - observing and photographing the annual rutting season from a safe distance on designated paths.

10am: Autumn Photographic Workshop with photographer Micheál O’Sullivan at Ross Castle. For bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile 087 6290556.

10am - 2pm: Children Autumn Watch: Killarney National Park Education Centre, Knockreer House, Scavenger hunts, beginners bushcraft, nature games and a look at the mammals of Killarney National Park.
3pm: The inaugural Paudie O’Leary lecture: Killarney House and Gardens Auditorium delivered by Divisional Manager NPWS Killarney National Park: Eamonn Meskell: Bookings: Reception 01 539 3620.
7.30pm: Autumn Night Watch: Killarney National Park (NPWS) Conservation Rangers to meet at Knockreer gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) bring a head torch/suitable clothing.

Sunday October 16

7.30am: Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering: National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local Conservation Rangers. Meeting at Knockreer Gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) - walking tour observing native Irish deer, flora and fauna during the autumn season.

Early morning self guide photographic opportunities within Killarney Demesne - observing and photographing the annual rutting season from a safe distance on designated paths.

10am: Autumn Photographic Workshop with photographer Micheál O’Sullivan meet at Ross Castle. Bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile 087 6290556.

2pm: Autumn Watch Scattering: Muckross School House: informal discussion with NPWS Conservation Rangers on their work in Killarney National Park - chaired by Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell.

For further information and updates: www.facebook.com/killarneynationalpark.

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Street Orienteering added to Wander Wild programme

By Sean Moriarty A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend. Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the […]

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By Sean Moriarty

A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend.

Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the festival on March 25.

Participants can start at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Basecamp anytime from 2-4pm on Saturday.

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running whilst navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass. And the Wander Wild Street Orienteering will have courses suitable for all ages and abilities.

“The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. If you need any help or tips members of Kerry Orienteering Club will be available to assist during the day,” said organiser Brendan O’Brien.

Two routes are available: ‘Wander’ – 2km (easy, wheelchair and buggy accessible) and Wild – 4km (moderate), and bookings can be made via: https://t.ly/jHm2R.

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Quiz helps to fund Easter pilgrimage

A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week. The Tim Moore […]

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A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week.

The Tim Moore Memorial Table Quiz will be held in the Gleneagle Hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 29.

The entry fee for tables of four is €40 and it is €20 for teams of four schoolchildren with great prizes up for grabs on the night.

All proceeds will go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust which organises trips to Lourdes every Easter for children and young adults with additional needs.

They will be brought on the pilgrimage on Easter Sunday and all the volunteer helpers and medical staff that will accompany them will cover for their own travel costs.

The annual quiz, which is running for close on 30 years, is dedicated to the memory of the late Killarney accountant Tim Moore who was a tireless campaigner for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. He passed away, suddenly, in 2002 and his friends have continued the quiz as a tribute to his legacy and to ensure the charity continues to be supported.

It hasn’t been held for the past two years due to the pandemic but all involved are thrilled that it is back for 2023.

Kieran Coffey, the retired principal of Fossa National School, is one of those who spearhead the Kerry pilgrimage to Lourdes and he has appealed to the public to support the very important fundraiser which helps offset some of the costs involved.

“We are delighted to be in a position to continue Tim’s great work and to dedicate the quiz to him. The event is always so well supported by the people of the greater Killarney area and we greatly appreciate that generosity,” said Kieran.

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