News
Radio Kerry to programme explore Black Valley’s History and Wildlife
A special Christmas edition of the Saturday supplement on Radio Kerry will take listeners on a unique journey through Killarney National Park’s Black Valley with local guide Genie Tangney.
The story, broadcast from 9.00 am to 11.00 am on Saturday, December 27, features Genie Tangney leading broadcaster Frank Lewis through his special places in his native Black Valley.
Mr. Tangney, a keen observer of nature, shared striking encounters with wildlife, including the sound of "two red stags bellowed all night" and an occasion where "14 white-tailed eagles perched here in our home farmyard in Gearhameen".
The programme delves into the area’s tough past, with Dux O'Donoghue of Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours recalling the precarious life of a fisherman. He noted that in the 1970s, catching "two salmon a week you were better off than a man working in Liebher, the best job in Killarney at the time," but added that fishermen "could go six weeks without catching a salmon".
The history of the area is further evidenced by the story of 'Saltauns,' who trapped otters for skins, earning £14 for each.
The broadcast also touches on the history of the native Red Deer herd. Former regional manager of the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Paddy O’Sullivan, recalled a never-implemented plan to continue shooting 400 deer a year over ten or eleven years to manage the population.
The history of travel is also explored, highlighting the jaunting car, pony, and boat Killarney day trip which has been operating for 278 years. At Lord Brandon’s Cottage quay, Mr. Tangney and Mr. O’Donoghue recounted the 70-year-old local story of an O’Donoghue firing a large plinth of rock over Purple mountain to the Gap of Dunloe.
Conservation Ranger Mary Sheehan pointed out local wildlife, including the Ring Ouzel, a rare summer visitor, and the sight of a pair of Whooper Swans flying the length of Cloghernoosh Lake. Mr. Tangney also pointed out the river gravel beds where Atlantic Salmon shape a depression for their eggs.
The programme also features local social history, including the building of Our Lady of the Valley church in the 1950s, with the parish priest Fr Sayers helping on the roof.
Listeners can join Frank Lewis and his guests on Radio Kerry on Saturday, December 27th, live on 97fm or worldwide on
www.radiokerry.ie. The programme will also be available on the website the following Tuesday or Wednesday.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National...
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar...
Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk
Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20. Participants...
Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title
Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at...
Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members
The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its...
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...
