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Skaters “thrilled” as construction firm appointed to build skatepark

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By Sean Moriarty

A Spanish construction firm has this week been appointed to build the town's newest €235,000 amenity - and it's left skateboard lovers very happy.

Last week, Kerry County Council revealed Brown Brothers from Cork in partnership with Spanish company, Vulcano, have been awarded the contract to build the Killarney skatepark project.

Construction is expected to commence in the spring with the new facility ready for operation at a site adjacent to the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre by early summer.

Members of the Killarney Skatepark Committee are currently on a tour of Southern France.

They are there to honour Tralee man Bruce ‘Ox’ Kelliher who died suddenly last January. Bruce was one of Ireland’s most prolific skateboarders and the newly opened Skate Park in Tralee was named in his honour.

He regularly organised trips to France and his sporting colleagues organised this trip as a homage to the man who did so much for the sport in Ireland.

The sport is very popular in France and large cities boast several skateparks.

This week the group took park in skateboard sessions at the Skatepark de Fontainieu in Marseille, which was designed and built by the same Spanish construction firm that has been appointed to the Killarney project.

“We are excited that the tender was awarded to a skater-owned and skater-run company, this means that the end result is going to be top tier for the park's users,” Sean Murphy of the Killarney Skatepark Committee told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Bruce used to come here a lot and he mentioned he wanted a group trip this year so this trip is a homage to him. Skateparks are everywhere in every city in France. It has been a long jaded process but finally Killarney will be able to get its skates on. We are thrilled it's going ahead, and that it is being built by the same company that built a park we visited this week in Marseille.”

Sean also thanked Cllr Donal Grady who has been pushing the project for years at Council level.

The Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Niall Kelleher welcomed the announcement.

“This is a facility which the Killarney Skatepark Committee and local councillors have been pursuing for many years. It will offer a very high quality facility for skaters of all ages.

“I want to pay tribute to the Skateboard Committee for their perseverance and to thank them for working so closely with Kerry County Council to make this progress. I look forward to the development of the skatepark over the coming months," he said.

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Ladybirds seeking new members

The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division. Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive […]

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The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division.

Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive environment where young members are encouraged to reach their full potential through a mix of play, discovery, and community involvement.
As part of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), the mission of the branch is to enable girls and young women to develop into responsible citizens of the world. The Ladybirds programme specifically focuses on building confidence and teaching essential life skills. Participants engage in fun activities that help them develop a respect for the outdoors and learn to work effectively as part of a team.
Weekly meetings take place during the school term on Monday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. These sessions are held at the Presentation Monastery School on the New Road, providing a consistent and safe space for the girls to gather and learn.
A dedicated registration and information evening will be held on September 29th at 6:00 pm at the Presentation Monastery School. Organisers have noted that spaces within the Killarney branch are limited, so any parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend this session.
For further details on the enrolment process or the activities planned for the upcoming term, Maura Fitzgerald is available for inquiries at 087 7986958.

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Hermitage Green set for landmark St Mary’s Church concert

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The Wander Wild Festival, supported by Pig’s Lane, has confirmed that Irish trad-folk band Hermitage Green will headline a special concert as part of this year’s outdoor, culture, and wellness programme.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, a venue chosen for its unique atmosphere and stunning acoustics.

Known for an original instrumental arrangement that features the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo, the five-piece band is entering its 15th year with significant momentum.

Their 2024 album, Connection, showcased a broadened creative scope through collaborations with author Gregory David Roberts and artist Bobby Fingers, earning praise for its emotional storytelling and sonic ambition.

This recent success was mirrored on stage when the group closed the Rankin Woods Stage at Electric Picnic and followed it with a sold-out performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Doors for the St Mary’s Church of the Sloes event will open at 8:00 pm on April 18, with tickets currently available through the official festival booking platform.

The Wander Wild Festival itself runs from April 17 to 19 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, and Pig’s Lane.

With over 160 events scheduled across the weekend, the festival continues to establish Killarney as a leading destination for adventure and culture.

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