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Radio Kerry to feature National Park’s dawn chorus

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The spectacular dawn chorus in Killarney National Park will be the focus of the Saturday Supplement on Radio Kerry this Saturday morning.

Presenter Frank Lewis will highlight the natural spectacle.
"The chorus of birds singing together, from about 45 minutes before to 45 minutes after sunrise, our most spectacular phenomenon in nature, is at its best during these weeks.” He said.
The programme, recorded in Knockreer at dawn on April 13, will also capture the early morning floral displays.
The programme will also include insights from 88-year-old former Park Superintendent Dan Kelliher, who describes "the amazing experience of seeing a full moon sitting on top of Torc mountain – and hearing bagpipes being played in Muckross Abbey around midnight."
Conservation ranger Padruig O'Sullivan will discuss the Park's ongoing development.
Walks guide Richie Clancy will share a historical anecdote: "In 1969 this tall stranger asked if I could take him to where he could get a photograph of Dairy Cottage where General de Gaulle was staying. I told him we would be a long way away but he said that was no problem that he had a long lens. Over the years there had been 33 attempts to assassinate de Gaulle. I learned afterwards that the stranger was Padraig Kennelly who started Kerry's Eye."
The programme will also touch on the blossoming wild garlic woods, the view from Deenagh Lodge, improvements at Knockreer Gardens, the story of Coda the monk, the bluebells, King's Bridge, the changing path at Gamewood Bridge, and stories from Teahouse Point.
Tune in to Radio Kerry this Saturday to hear Frank Lewis in conversation with Dan Kelliher, Padruig O'Sullivan, Richie Clancy, and Ed Carty, who began their recording walk at 5.30 am in Knockreer.

Field ornithologist Ed Carty has revealed that the Great Spotted Woodpecker is breeding in Killarney National Park.

Carty will be a guest on Radio Kerry’s Saturday Supplement. The programme, recorded on April 13, (see main story) will focus the dawn chorus,
During the recording of the programme, Carty said: "During the past few weeks the Great Spotted Woodpecker has been heard here in the Gamewood in Knockreer. We expect to find it breeding here in the coming weeks – for the first time in hundreds of years or maybe much longer."
Since the recording, it has been confirmed that the Great Spotted Woodpecker is now breeding in this area of Killarney National Park.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers appear to have gone extinct in Ireland following deforestation in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The first recorded sighting of a Great Spotted Woodpecker for Killarney National Park was in 2013, where it was observed in the Tomies Wood area. This new development is significant as it is one of the first recorded breeding activity within the Park.

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Diesel alternative now available in Killarney

A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil […]

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A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The renewable fuel is already being used locally — including by Deros Coaches.
HVO is a low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for traditional diesel.

Made by treating waste plant material with hydrogen, it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Compared to regular diesel, HVO emits up to 90% less CO₂ and also offers benefits such as lower NOx emissions, biodegradability, longer shelf-life, and being completely fossil-free.

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St Brigid’s principal Róisín Moore to step down

After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s […]

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After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.

In a statement issued by the school community this week, Ms Moore described the decision as deeply personal.

“This has not been an easy decision,” she said.

“But I believe the time is right for me to explore other opportunities while also giving greater attention to family responsibilities. The role of principal is a demanding one, and I have always strived to give it my full commitment.”

Ms Moore’s tenure at St. Brigid’s has been defined by vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the values of CEIST and Catholic education. A former student of the school , she returned years later to lead the institution she credits with shaping her both personally and professionally.

“Serving as Principal of St Brigid’s has been one of the great honours of my life,” she said. “I remain deeply committed to the values of CEIST and to the mission of Catholic education. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave the role with immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school community.”

Her leadership coincided with significant achievements, including a very positive WSE-MLL (Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning) report, the continued advancement of a major building project, and the fostering of what she described as “a caring and inclusive environment with high expectations at its core.”

“We have an outstanding teaching staff, a robust culture of leadership and management, and a clear sense of purpose and direction,” she added. “I have every confidence the board of management and staff will continue to bring the school forward.”

Teacher and school PRO Sheree Murphy paid tribute on behalf of staff and students.

‘It’s hard to put into words just how much Róisín has meant to St Brigid’s and to all of us who have had the privilege of working under her leadership” said Ms Murphy.

“She has been an exceptional leader, steadfast, visionary, and deeply committed to every student, staff member, and family in our school community. Her dedication has truly brought the school from strength to strength.”

“Through her guidance, I personally have grown immensely as a teacher. Her belief in professional development, collaborative leadership, and high expectations has helped shape the kind of educator I am today.”

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