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Skal Club present Eckhard Gogsch award

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The Skal Club of Kerry in co-operation with the Irish Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at IT Tralee recently presented Michelle O’Sullivan, a first year Higher Certificate in Arts and Hotel Operations student, the 2018 Eckhard Gogsch Service and Skills Award.

Eckhard was a hugely popular personality in the local tourism trade having spent his entire life working at different levels in the industry. He was born and reared near the spectacular Lake Constance in Germany and moved to Killarney in 1968 to take up a position in the Hotel Europe as waiter. He also worked in sister hotel, The Dunloe Castle, and has lived in Killarney since then.

In the mid 1980’s, Eckhard took up a position with Fáilte Ireland, the state agency Cert and was centre manager in many of their training schools at the former Torc Great Southern Hotel, Rosslare Great Southern, Dromhall Hotel and Kenmare Bay. It was in these schools that students were prepared for careers in the tourism industry.

Students acquired a range of skills, food preparation, restaurant service, accommodation service, bar and front office as well as business operations and communications. Eckhard always stressed to students that working in the hospitality industry was rewarding and there were ample opportunities for career progression.

In addition to formal training and practical experience, Eckhard had the ability to inspire and motivate and demonstrate excellent customer skills to the students. He always used to say that a satisfied customer tells at least three people whereas an angry customer tells 3,000.

He later started a freelance tour company with his wife Patricia, bringing visitors from all over the world to Ireland and leading them on great adventures throughout the country.

Eckhard was a very active member of the Kerry Skal Club since its inception 21 years ago and the decision was made to present this fantastic award in his memory. Speaking at the ceremony, club members also expressed their hopes that his wife Patricia would be taking up the mantel.

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Gardaí appeal for witnesses in Castleisland crash

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A woman in her 70s was critically injured following a single-vehicle car crash at Lisheenbaun, Castleisland.

The accident occurred at 11.40pm on Wednesday, December 10.

The female driver and sole occupant of the car was removed from the scene to Kerry University Hospital.

She remains in critical condition.

The road is closed pending a technical examination to be conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Local diversions are in place via Currow Village.

The N21 Castleisland–Tralee and N22 Tralee–Farranfore roads are not affected.
 
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
 
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N23 in the Lisheenbaun, Castleisland area between 11:20pm and 11:50pm are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064-6671160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
 
Investigations are ongoing.

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New sports kit presented to Knockaderry National School

Knockaderry Farranfore National School received a new set of football and basketball jerseys and shorts this week, sponsored by the Manor West Hotel in Tralee and produced by MFC Sports. […]

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Knockaderry Farranfore National School received a new set of football and basketball jerseys and shorts this week, sponsored by the Manor West Hotel in Tralee and produced by MFC Sports.

The presentation was made by Manor West Hotel General Manager Ruth O’Sullivan and Senior Kerry footballer Joe O’Connor, who is Munster Area Development Manager with MFC Sports.
Pupils decorated the school hall in green and gold for the occasion and were excited to meet the visitors. The school thanked Manor West Hotel for its generous support and said the new kit will be well used in upcoming games.
“The children enjoyed the visit and decorated the hall in green and gold in anticipation of the presentation. The BOM and staff wish to thank Ruth and Manor West Hotel for their very generous sponsorship. The kit will certainly be put to good use,” said school principal Áine Daly.

Manor West Hotel said it was pleased to support the school and promote children’s sport and wellbeing. Knockaderry Farranfore NS, founded in 1888, now operates beside Farranfore GAA facilities, which the school uses regularly for training and matches.
“I would like to thank Joe and the MFC team for their incredible assistance in designing the kit. Who knows, we might even have a future Kerry All Ireland winner among us,” said Ruth O’Sullivan, General Manager, Manor West Hotel.

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