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Talented Valerie captures the people and places of the Reeks on camera

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Photographer Valerie O'Sullivan.

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AWARD-WINNING Killarney photographer Valerie O’Sullivan has immortalised the faces and places of Ireland’s highest mountain range in her new book.

The MacGillycuddy's Reeks: People and Places of Ireland’s Highest Mountain Range charts the rich diversity of its people and landscape. “Despite their increasing popularity amongst hillwalkers and climbers, the mountains’ remote and marginal nature is their commanding characteristic,” said Valerie, who is herself a keen mountaineer.

The design and layout of the book is by Cathal Cudden, Bright Idea, and it will be officially launched by broadcaster Frank Lewis and Patricia Deane, rural recreation officer, South Kerry Development Partnership, on Saturday, October 15, at 6.30pm in Kate Kearney’s Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe.

The people of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are the dominant feature of the book. We see them honouring the traditions of The Biddies one of the oldest and most colourful customs in Ireland, a blend of pagan and Christian pageantry, held each year on the first day of February.

The book also stars Eileen Cronin of Cronin’s Yard, Mealis, Beaufort, who lives in the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, at the entrance to the Hag’s Glen, the traditional starting point for ascents of Carrantuohill and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Eileen, originally from Ballyledder, Beaufort, married Joe Cronin, a fifth-generation sheep farmer, in 1964. The Cronin home and yard became the base for the Kerry Mountain Rescue team, the local

Gardaí and the Civil Defence whenever the teams were called out on a mountain rescue. Eileen remembers fondly the early days of the mountain rescues when the team would arrive to their home. “We had great craic, no matter how serious the rescue was, the house was always open. We’d stay up all night, waiting for news. I loved making the tea and sandwiches, keeping the fire going. We were all great friends and still are today. Members of the Rescue Team and Gardaí would still call to me. We had great laughs,” she said.

A chapter is also dedicated to the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Valerie will be donating a sizeable portion of the proceeds of this book to the team.
 


 
Above: Photographer Valerie O'Sullivan.

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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