News
Skellig Michael to reopen to the public later this month

WELCOME NEWS: Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement that Scellig Michael can reopen later this month.
By Michelle Crean
There was a welcome reaction to news this week that Skellig Michael can reopen to the public later this month.
On Wednesday, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced a target date of June 21 for the reopening of Skellig Michael to public visitors.
The OPW’s work crews are currently on site undertaking preparatory health and safety works prior to reopening, and as things stand, it is likely that the target date will be achieved. The reopening date is subject to weather conditions remaining favourable for works on the island and intending visitors are advised to consult heritageireland.ie for updates ahead of planning their visit.
"I am very pleased to be able to share this much-anticipated good news with holidaymakers eager to visit Skellig Michael this summer and with the rural communities who rely on tourism to the island," the Minister said.
"I myself look forward to visiting this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site soon and I hope that weather conditions will allow OPW staff to complete the required preparatory works so the reopening can go ahead on June 21. Thanks to the progress we have made on the path to recovery, we will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy national treasures such as these over the coming months.”
WELCOME
Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement as he called for the reopening "on numerous occasions".
The announcement by Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Mr Patrick O’ Donovan TD that boat tours to the Skelligs can recommence on June 21 pending works being done which is contingent on decent weather is a huge boost to tourism in Kerry," he said.
"I’m sure the announcement is very much welcomed by those who earn their livelihoods from such trips and associated businesses. I look forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site again soon. Fingers crossed for good weather!"
The news was also welcomed by Councillor Michael Cahill who said that it is great news for Cahersiveen, the Iveragh Peninsula, South Kerry and the entire county.
However, he added with caution that "this “target” date must be struck accurately as the recovery of business in the whole area is dependent upon it".
“The Skellig boatmen have been drawing people to South Kerry for decades and the knock-on spend by visitors can be felt in shops, restaurants, pubs, accommodation, B&B's, hotels, etc., throughout the county,” he said.
“This is a unique product which has been enhanced by its association with Star Wars and it is critical that it reopens as soon as possible in order to save the local jobs and livelihoods that itself has created down through the years. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of Skellig Michael to the Kerry tourism package and it is integral to future employment in the region along with The Ring of Kerry, The Kerry Way and hopefully soon, The South Kerry Greenway. We must show that we are ‘Open For Business’ and get back to what we do best.”
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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