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Start preparing your garden for the year ahead

Published

3 years ago

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By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY

This week we continue with our garden spring clean.

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The stretch in the evenings is now well underway and we can see signs of new garden life appearing daily. We can now start preparing for the prospect of those longer balmy evenings which seemed so far away only a few weeks ago.

Continuing our list of essential garden jobs from last week brings us to our garden accessories. Whether ornaments or plant pots, giving them a good wipe after being out in the elements during winter is always an important part of a garden spring clean. This can include garden furniture, even if it's been in storage, as it can collect dust and become a spider’s new home.

Clean hardscape surfaces

Paving stones can collect moss and become muddy over winter months, keeping them in tip-top condition by using a pressure hose to wash them down after sweeping any excess dirt off is a great way to add some contrast to your grass, plants, and greenery.

Revive the lawn

Grass can grow brown and patchy during winter, so sow seeds into the ground in the places the lawn is suffering, then wait patiently. Once it grows back, mow the grass to a consistent level and keep it maintained. Important note: Don’t go too low on the initial cut.

Tend to your beds

Leaves can build up in flower beds, and whilst this is good for soil and keeping weeds down, it’s important to brush back thick layers that might be on top of plants. Collect the leaves up and add them to an existing compost pile - or start a new one for the new year!

Create compost

A compost pile is a practical addition to any garden and gives you an easy way to use all your garden waste. After chopping and cutting, lots of matter can be left over and decomposed into compost. Use a pile, pit or bin to make your own. It’s handy to gently sprinkle water over it to keep it moist.

New plants

Finally, spring is a great season to start planting again. Summer-flowering bulbs like gladioli and lilies are great choices to dazzle the garden with colour in just a few months’ time.

In summary, now is the optimal time to start preparing your garden for the year ahead. Make the most of the crisp dry spring conditions to ensure your garden is looking its best this season. If planning on marketing your property for sale this season, it will set your home aside from the others, adding to its saleability and potentially enhancing its value. If you're not planning on selling your property, simply sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits of a well maintained garden.

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Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point

Published

9 hours ago

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14 August 2026

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Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point


Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.


In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.

Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)

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‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House

Published

12 hours ago

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14 August 2026

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‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House


Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.


Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.

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