Centenary certificate for Beaufort’s Rupert Costello

Beaufort native Rupert Costello has been presented with a special centenary certificate by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin for his lifelong service to Fianna Fáil.

The presentation took place at the Beaufort Bar, where Mr Costello was recognised for his decades of dedication to advancing the party locally and nationally.
Over the years, Mr Costello has held numerous roles within the Beaufort Fianna Fáil cumann, one of the oldest active cumainn in Ireland. Joined by his wife Noreen for the presentation, he was praised for his long-standing commitment to community politics and the local organisation.

A non-native freshwater turtle has been spotted basking on the banks of the Lakes of Killarney near Dinis.

The unexpected sighting was made by local Green Party representative Diarmuid Griffin, who works as a tour boat driver for Ross Castle Boat Tours.

Mr Griffin first spotted the terrapin on Monday, August 31, while navigating passengers through the Meeting of the Waters area.

Recent rainfall had raised water levels sufficiently to reopen the boat route near Dinis, which had previously been closed due to dry conditions.

Unable to secure a photo during the initial encounter, Mr Griffin returned to the same basking spot the following day, Tuesday, September 1.

He maneuverred the boat into position, allowing a passenger to take photographic evidence of the reptile.

Freshwater turtles and terrapins are not native to Ireland, with such species typically introduced to wild waterways through released or escaped pets.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff have been informed of the location to monitor the area and determine how the animal made its way into Loch Léin.