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Rare spiders found in National Park

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By Sean Moriarty

A spider expert has found three of Ireland’s rarest breeds of spiders in Killarney National Park.

Irish arachnologist (spider expert) Myles Nolan, who recently conducted a survey - revealed over 50 spider species living in the Park – and three rare species of spider were abundant.

However, he has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that none of the spiders, the Green Huntsman, the Eurasian Green Crab Spider and the Triangle Spider, are harmful and there’s no reason for anyone to fear them.

The Green Huntsman is restricted to the south-west of Ireland and prefers a combination of old woodland, preferably oak, and good quality wet grassland. It can be found in abundance locally in the oak woodlands of Cahnicaun and Glaisín na Marbh.

The Eurasian Green Crab Spider can be found on the foliage of both oak and yew trees near Derrycunnihy on the Moll’s Gap road and elsewhere.

A third species, the Triangle Spider, was found on many yew trees near Reenadinna in the Park and there are other sightings of this spider in County Cork.

 

“I carried out the survey from late August through to October,” Mr Nolan told the Killarney Advertiser.

“This involved collecting specimens by a number of methods including turning stones and dead wood, sifting through mosses, knocking specimens down from overhanging foliage of trees, heather and gorse, and using a sweep net to collect from grassy areas. Killarney National Park is the only place in Ireland where these spiders occur in abundance. I worked closely with the Conservation Rangers in the Park getting access to locations and they assisted with some collecting. Their knowledge was hugely helpful.”

 

 

 

 

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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