News
Rena receives Pope’s medal for wonderful festive work
By Michelle Crean
For 50 years Killarney woman Rena Kennelly has been creating the life-size Christmas Crib in St Mary's Cathedral for all to enjoy - and she's now been rewarded for her efforts.
FAMILY: Rena Kennelly pictured with her family and friends who helped her with her Christmas creation over the years. Front row: Ben Clifford Shirley Clifford Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll Roan Clifford Justine O'Driscoll. Second row: Jacquie O'Sullivan Sr Rose O'Donoghue Jason Clifford Paula Kennelly Ailbhe O'Driscoll Catherine O'Driscoll. Third row: Enda O'Meara Tadghie Fleming Margaret Moriarty John Joe Clifford Mark Kennelly Fr Kieran O'Brien (ADM) Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
POPE'S MEDAL: Receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Fr Kieran O'Brien ADM of St Mary's Cathedral Killarney was Rena Kennelly at a special Mass on Monday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
FAMILY: Rena Kennelly pictured with her family and friends who helped her with her Christmas creation over the years. Front row: Ben Clifford Shirley Clifford Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll Roan Clifford Justine O'Driscoll. Second row: Jacquie O'Sullivan Sr Rose O'Donoghue Jason Clifford Paula Kennelly Ailbhe O'Driscoll Catherine O'Driscoll. Third row: Enda O'Meara Tadghie Fleming Margaret Moriarty John Joe Clifford Mark Kennelly Fr Kieran O'Brien (ADM) Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
POPE'S MEDAL: Receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Fr Kieran O'Brien ADM of St Mary's Cathedral Killarney was Rena Kennelly at a special Mass on Monday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
Rena received the highly coveted Benemerenti Medal - the highest honour given by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church - at a special Mass on Monday night.
It was given to her by Fr Kieran O'Brien, ADM of St Mary's Cathedral, sanctioned by Pope Francis and the Vatican in recognition for her years of service to the Cathedral.
The annual crib is visited by parishes and visitors from all over the country every Christmas season.
On the night Rena was joined by her family and friends who helped her with her creation over the years,
They included her two great-grandchildren, Roan and Ben Clifford, Shirley Clifford, Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll, Justine O'Driscoll, Jacquie O'Sullivan, Sr Rose O'Donoghue, Jason Clifford, Paula Kennelly, Ailbhne O'Driscoll, Catherine O'Driscoll, Enda O'Meara, Tadghie Fleming, Margaret Moriarty, John Joe Clifford, Mark Kennelly, Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll.
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held...
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in...
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