News
Seanie’s sustainable style is a winner alright!

A dapper blue and black suit that a popular Killarney man has worn many times over the years was a winner alright at the weekend.
The 'Gentleman Farmer' Sean O’Donoghue from White Villa Farm between Lissivigeen and Minish was named the men's overall winner at the Sustainable Style Fashion event on Saturday at Listowel Races.
The ladies winner was Andrea Thornton in the competition which was organised by Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce on the final day.
Each received €300 in cash sponsored by Listowel Race Company and McCarthy Brokers Listowel.
Sean’s stylish suit was vintage and he has worn it many times over the years.
Andrea got her headpiece from ‘Second Time Around’ in Listowel; her cameo brooch was a “something blue" gift from a friend for her wedding and her magnificent mint lace and tulle prom 1950s dress was from Georges Arcade in Dublin.
Judged by international model Sydney Sargent and Elaine Doyle from An Taisce, the judges were overwhelmed with the exceptional standard of outfits on all ages on the racecourse. Sustainability is the big conversation in fashion right now and this was evident from the wonderful and heartfelt stories behind the outfits. Most were heirlooms or coveted vintage purchases and many of the finalists had also up styled items in their existing wardrobes to give them a new and fresher look.
First runner up in the women’s category was Amy Griffin from Limerick who wore her own vintage brand “And Again” and first runner up in the men's was David Silles. Each received a bumper hamper kindly sponsored and presented by Broderick's Pharmacy.
All 10 finalists received gifts sponsored by Listowel businesses.
The competition promotes and celebrates up-styling, recycling, vintage and pre-loved style and has continued to grow in popularity.
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.