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Rough sleeper concerns in town centre – Cllr Donal Grady

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By Sean Moriarty

 

Killarney traders are growing concerned at the increasing number of homeless people sleeping rough in the town centre.

They say there is a growing number of “professional” rough sleepers after appearing in the town centre in recent weeks and traders say these people “are following the crowds” as a result of a lack of footfall in larger cities and the increased demand for staycation style holidays.

The traders feel Killarney’s good name as a tourist destination is at risk unless something is done about it.

Local business sources have told the Killarney Advertiser that the problem is particularly bad in the College Square area and that several people are sleeping every night in the archway that leads off Plunkett St to Glebe Lane.

Cllr Donal Grady raised the issue at yesterday’s (Thursday) Killarney Municipal District meeting.

“Beggars have come in,” he told the meeting. “Plunkett St is a disgrace.”

Killarney Gardai said the public needs to be aware of what is legal and illegal but that they will investigate anti-social behaviour or other criminal acts.

“It is not an offence to be homeless,” Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “Begging, in certain circumstances, is not illegal either. It is illegal near ATM machines and shopfronts, but the public need to be aware what is legal and illegal. We will investigate anti-social behaviour but homelessness is not a policing issue – it is a matter for other agencies. The numbers are very small compared to other urban centres.”

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Soroptimists to host annual Pancake and Coffee Morning

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Killarney Soroptimist Club has announced the return of its annual Pancake and Coffee Morning, which will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 17.

The event will be held at the Killarney Avenue Hotel starting from 10.30am.

Attendees can look forward to a morning of music and entertainment featuring Tim Gleeson and friends.

Along with pancakes and coffee, the event will feature various raffles and a door prize on the day.

This year’s door prize is a two-night bed and breakfast stay at the Hayfield Manor Hotel.

The event is a significant fundraiser for the club, with all proceeds being donated to Rockmount Care Centre in Kilgarvan and St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort.

Tickets for the morning are priced at €20 and are available for purchase from, Soroptimist Members, the chosen beneficiary charities or Sheila Casey at 086 814 9677.

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Julie Deady wins first Camera Club competition of year

The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries. Top honours went […]

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The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries.

Top honours went to Julie Deady, a former Photographer of the Year winner with the club, for her image titled Church of St Primoz and Felicijan. The photograph was taken in Slovenia and captured a striking sunset, with deep reds and strong orange tones stretching across the sky. The setting sun silhouetted a bank of clouds, while warm evening light spilled across the surrounding landscape.
The nearby church, trees and open fields were softly lit, adding depth and balance to the scene. The image impressed judge John Hootan, a distinguished photographer, who praised its exposure, composition and timing. He awarded the photograph full marks, describing it as a benchmark for the competitions ahead.
Members said the standard of entries made the judging particularly competitive and set a positive tone for the year. With such a strong opening round, anticipation is already building for the next monthly themes as members continue to develop their skills and creativity.
The club thanked all members who took part, noting that the growing level of participation and friendly rivalry continues to raise standards across the competitions.

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