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Students learn all about European politics

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By Michelle Crean

Visiting the "capital the European Union" was one exciting trip for local students as they got to see world politics first hand.

EDUCATIONAL: MEP Sean Kelly pictured with students from St Brigid’s Secondary School Coláiste an Phiarsaigh Colaiste Choilm Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin and Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra during an educational trip to Brussels.

Over three very busy days, Transition Year students from St Brigid’s Secondary School, learned about the work of an MEP, the functioning of the European Parliament and Ireland’s place in the EU. Their programme included information sessions, tours and briefings at the European Parliament and the Irish Representation to the Council of the EU.

They were under the guidance of Killarney man and MEP for Ireland South and leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, Seán Kelly. He brought them, and other students from Ireland South, there to experience the EU Parliament first hand after winning the annual ‘Meet Your MEP’ essay competition.

Those that travelled wrote winning entries on the question ‘How will the EU adapt to the effects of climate change?'.

“I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to welcome such engaged and enthusiastic students to Brussels to learn about the inner workings of the EU institutions and my work as an MEP," Mr Kelly said.

EU LAW

"Approximately 70% of Irish legislation originated from EU law. The work we do here in Brussels has real impact on the day-to-day lives of Irish people, and as we deal with more shared challenges - like climate or health for example - decision-making at EU-level will become even more important. For this reason, I am passionate about engaging young people in the EU. This trip was an opportunity to show students first-hand what it means to be an EU citizen, and it has proven to be extremely successful.”

During their tour of the Parliament, the students were asked what they hope for the future of the EU, Aoibhin Kelly, St Brigid’s Secondary School, said she hoped for “peace across the EU”.

“Pre-COVID-19, I organised the TY essay competition annually,” Kelly explained. “I am delighted to have it back up and running. A personal highlight from the trip was meeting with each student and hearing them present their ideas on the future of EU climate and energy policy. I was incredibly impressed with their detailed knowledge on conservation efforts, the EU energy union and renewable technologies. Our children and grandchildren will inherit the world we leave behind, it is essential that we give them a voice on such issue."

MEP Kelly will attend COP27 this weekend as a member of the delegation from the Parliament’s Industry, Energy and Research committee.

"As I told the TY students following their presentation, I will take the ideas that they shared with me to COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.”

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Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School

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Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School


St Oliver’s National School in Ballycasheen is set to undergo a significant expansion following confirmation that the Department of Education has granted approval for the project to proceed to construction.


The building project, funded under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, will deliver a substantial extension to the existing school facilities. The development includes the provision of three new mainstream classrooms, seven Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms, and three Special Educational Needs (SEN) bases.
The expansion is designed to meet the growing educational needs of the Killarney area while enhancing the school’s capacity to provide inclusive support for all students.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill welcomed the progress, noting that the inclusion of dedicated SET and SEN spaces is vital for a modern learning environment.
“I am delighted to see this project at St Oliver’s National School progressing to the construction stage,” he said. “This is a very significant development that will greatly enhance the school’s capacity. I want to commend the school management, the Principal Colm Ó Suilleabháin, the staff, parents, and Board of Management for their continued engagement and dedication in advancing this project.”

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Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

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The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

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