Sem staff gather to mark Ed O’Neill’s retirement

Staff from St Brendan’s College gathered at the Randles Court Hotel last weekend to celebrate the retirement of their colleague, Ed O’Neill.

Although Mr O’Neill officially finished his teaching duties in Physical Education and History at the end of the school year last May, his fellow teachers and friends held the formal send-off this week to mark his departure from the school.
Mr O’Neill’s career at “The Sem” spanned 31 years, having first joined the teaching staff in 1995. Over three decades, he became a central figure in the school community, mentoring generations of students both in the classroom and on the sports field. He was widely respected by staff and pupils alike for his professional approach and his dedication to the college.
The retirement function provided an opportunity for past and present colleagues to acknowledge his significant contribution to the school since the mid-1990s.

Members of Killarney Judo Club travelled to Dublin on Sunday, March 22, to participate in the National Judo Grading.

The event serves as a critical milestone for martial artists progressing toward their Black Belts, testing both technical skill and competitive ability.
Among the successful candidates was Kevin Casey, who recently returned to the club after several years away. Casey earned his Blue Belt after completing a demanding technical assessment that required him to demonstrate a diverse range of traditional throws.
Two of the club’s younger prospects, 15-olds Patrik Polubnak and James Maher, delivered standout performances to secure their Brown Belts. A highlight of the day occurred when Maher executed a high-amplitude throw on an opponent significantly larger than himself, earning a perfect score from the national examiners. Both teenagers are now beginning an intensive training block in preparation for their Black Belt grading this September.
Ciara Forde also continued her ascent through the senior ranks. Following her performances in Dublin, Forde is now just three contest wins away from her Black Belt. If successful, she will become the 26th person in the history of the Killarney club to achieve the rank.
Coaches and supporters from the club made the trip to the capital to oversee the grading, which marks another successful chapter for the local club as it continues to develop athletes across all age groups.