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Rare tropical ferns found in National Park

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By Sean Moriarty

A botanist has discovered a rare fern growing in Killarney National Park – so rare in fact that it is the only fern of its kind in Europe.

 

Botanical researcher Dr Rory Hodd discovered the fern, as part of a National Survey of Upland Habitats, in a secluded location within the park - and the site will remain secret to prevent disturbance. He has sent it to the Natural History Museum in London.

“Dr Hodd was plant-hunting in a remote part of the Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Southwest Ireland - one of Europe’s few remaining fragments of temperate rainforest – when he discovered a few specimens of the fern growing on humid rocks. He collected and pressed a specimen and sent it to Dr Fred Rumsey at the Natural History Museum, London, who, working with American colleagues who are experts on these plants, identified the tiny fern as Stenogrammitis myosuroides, part of a distinctive group of ferns known as the Grammitids, rare ferns that usually grow on trees in the tropics,” said a spokesperson for the Botanical Society for Britain and Ireland.

Experts confirmed that this is a rare species of fern usually found growing on trees in tropical regions like Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The Killarney example was found growing on rocks.

“Drs Hodd and Rumsey agree that it is extremely unlikely that this fern was introduced to Europe by humans, as Grammitid ferns have proved impossible to cultivate and this species grows on rocks rather than other plants, so would not be accidentally introduced on other imported species. Their current hypothesis is that S. myosuroides most likely arrived naturally in Ireland without human intervention. It may, they believe, have been lurking overlooked for thousands of years. The fern’s diminutive size could help to explain why it might have been overlooked until now."

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Camera club returns after summer break

Killarney Camera Club will begin its new autumn season with an open night in The Brehon Hotel on September 28. This is the first meeting since the club broke up […]

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Killarney Camera Club will begin its new autumn season with an open night in The Brehon Hotel on September 28.

This is the first meeting since the club broke up for the summer – new members are invited to attend the open meeting later this month .

“Our final competition of the last season was our Open Print competition in June, and 20 unique and enthralling prints were on display in The Brehon on the night. Well done to everyone who put in the time, effort and expense to enter the competition. Thanks also to the many members who were involved in the logistics of bringing the season’s end competition to fruition.,” said club secretary Deirdre O’Donoghue.

“Throughout the year we hold a series of zoom meetings, fortnightly, and also have many in-house presentations of guest speakers , in their respective areas of photographic expertise , as well as occasional photographic outings throughout the club’s calendar year.”

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Kilcummin Comhaltas CCE launches trad music initiative

A new initiative from Kilcummin Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in association with Conor Moriarty sees the branch offer group music classes for those interested in traditional playing. Conor is combining with […]

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A new initiative from Kilcummin Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in association with Conor Moriarty sees the branch offer group music classes for those interested in traditional playing.

Conor is combining with the branch to gather musicians form beginner to advanced to give the ultimate group music experience.

“Its a great chance for newer players to learn from Conor, who himself is a champion musician but also from the other musicians that will attend the group in what undoubtedly will also offer a social outlet to all involved,” said Derek O Leary, PRO of Kilcummin Comhaltas CCE.

Conor has enormous previous experience. He is one of Irelands leading accordion players starting his playing career at the age seven. In 2009, Conor was crowned All-Ireland Champion on Melodeon at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and followed that up by becoming senior All-Ireland accordion Champion in 2010.

He also completed his MA in Irish traditional music performance at University Limerick that same year. He has worked professionally with many organisations including Siamsa Tire and more recently Gaelic Roots the show. He is also a much sought after music teacher where he has always enjoyed passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

The group sessions start on September 27 for an initial five-week term from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in Kilcummin Rural Development Office.

For further details contact Conor on 087 9698063

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