News
Reeks District launches new branding and website
Kerry’s Reeks District – selected as one of the top places in the world to visit by Rough Guides in 2019 – has launched its next step for increasing visitor numbers to the region with new branding, a new website and new photography.
The website is much expanded from the region’s previous online presence and showcases the Reeks District’s amazing natural amenities from MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the Blue Flag beaches of Inch and Rossbeigh, as well as amazing things to see and do in the region.
It also gives local businesses the tools to market themselves to a wider audience under the umbrella of the ultimate Reeks District guide. The web solution is based on a new trend in the tourism industry where travel booking engines are bypassed by locals coming together to create booking and enquiry systems with great functionality and a sleek user interface, but without fees being paid to a third, private party.
Photography for the project was undertaken by a group of landscape, architecture, interior and fashion photographers. The shoot took place over more than 30 locations across 10 days and the photographers were briefed to show the Reeks District exactly as it is, in its full glory, regardless of rainy days and stormy winds. ‘Models’ for the shoot were local enthusiasts, passionate about the activities they partake in.
The launch, which also sees a rebranding of the Reeks District’s Visitor Centre in Killorglin’s Library Place and a new visitor map, is part of a three-year project that began in 2021 and is aimed at radically increasing the Reeks District’s tourism market share and providing long-term sustainable growth, particular in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.
As a not-for-profit organisation, funding for the three-year improved marketing drive has come from a number of sources, including membership subscriptions. In 2021, 20-plus local business owners came together to help the programme, providing investment that will total some €500,000 by the end of this initial three-year project in 2024. Funding from other sources, including the Department of Rural and Community Development, LEADER, Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland have also been secured.The project is also supported by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and sponsored by Killorglin Community Council.
Tourism is seen as a valuable area of growth for the Reeks District. Like many other regions, visitor numbers suffered during the Covid-19 crisis and the new marketing efforts will help build on the pre-pandemic success of the region following its 2018 re-brand from Mid Kerry.
“The new branding and website provide the next chapter in Reeks District’s development and is aimed at solidifying and improving our position as an emerging destination and one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, providing sustainable tourism growth particularly in the shoulder seasons," Chair of the Reeks District, Jens Bachem, said.
“With phase one of our three-year plan now reaching completion, we can move onto our second and third phases that include further product development, search engine optimisation, event activation, communications and additional content. Internally our aims are to foster increased cooperation between our members via sharing of resources, knowledge and best practice, so we can continue to improve tourism revenue over the coming years.”
A special commemoration took place at Fitzgerald Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary of the sudden passing of former Dr Crokes player, officer, and selector Tim (Timmy) Keogh.
All-Ireland winning Kerry and Dr Crokes manager Pat O’Shea unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of Mr Keogh, who died suddenly at the stadium on 24 May 1976 while watching the East Kerry Under-12 final between Dr Crokes and Legion.
Pat O’Shea, who played in that fixture as a nine-year-old, delivered a moving address reflecting on the tragedy and his memories of Killarney half a century ago. He described Mr Keogh as a dedicated family and community man who led the way for the Dr Crokes club.
O’Shea recalled how the match was halted and the young players were brought into the dressing rooms, leaving an indelible mark on the town. He also paid tribute to Mr Keogh’s late wife, Kathleen, and noted the bittersweet memory of neighbours and Legion icons Weeshie Fogarty and Johnny Culloty rushing to his aid on the sideline.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Eamonn Keogh detailed his father’s extensive contribution to the black and amber. Timmy Keogh served as club treasurer through the 1950s and 1960s alongside Donie Sheahan and Michael O’Connor, and was a selector for the famous Dr Crokes senior team that won seven consecutive O’Donoghue Cups between 1956 and 1962.
Eamonn thanked Fitzgerald Stadium Chairman Der Brosnan and his committee for permission to erect the monument. He welcomed members of the Keogh, Fogarty, Culloty, and Randles families, alongside several players from the 1976 under-12 panel and MC Denis Coleman.
Eamonn paid tribute to Pat O’Shea’s legendary status in the GAA, noting he remains one of only five managers to win both an All-Ireland senior inter-county championship and a senior club title.
Fr Tom Looney spoke of receiving the tragic news via a letter from his mother while serving in Peru 50 years ago, praising Mr Keogh’s legacy with Dr Crokes and local employer Hilliards. Fr Tom performed a blessing alongside Franciscan Friary Guardian Br Pat Lynch and Fr Billy Hoyne.
The commemoration concluded with a musical performance of ‘Buachaill ón Éirne’ and ‘The Parting Glass’ by Timmy’s son, Don Keogh, on concertina, and his cousin, Máire Breathnach, on guitar.
The large attendance included Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, East Kerry Board officials Dermot O’Connor and Noel Kennedy, Dr Crokes President Jackie Looney, Chairman Eoin Brosnan, and Juvenile Chairman David Byrne.
Two young local girls showed great business initiative on Saturday ahead of the Kerry v Donegal match at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Erin McSweeney and Jessie Doolin set up a sweet stall outside a house on Lewis Road, catching the thousands of football fans walking towards the grounds.
The enterprising pair did a busy trade selling soft drinks, sweets, and chocolates to the passing crowds before throw-in.
Their match-day venture also caught the attention of the national sports media, with a photograph of the girls at their stall captured by Sportsfile photographer Stephen McCarthy ahead of the game.
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