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The life and legacy of Vicky Phelan celebrated at poignant event

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The life and legacy of the late Vicky Phelan was celebrated in poignant style in Tralee at the weekend as local cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, hosted the Kerry stage of the nationwide Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour.

The Tralee-based charity joined forces with portrait owner David Brennan and friends and family of the late cervical cancer campaigner for the two-day awareness raising initiative, which was kindly hosted by MTU Kerry and supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance.

The Sólás Centre at MTU’s North Campus was the location for the weekend’s activities, which began on Friday night with an emotional, but hugely inspirational unveiling of the portrait by owner and lifelong friend of Vicky, David Brennan.

In front of an audience of over 100 invited guests, including some of Vicky’s friends and parents John and Gaby, David gave an empowering insight into every aspect of the stunning portrait, beautifully detailing the symbolism of each section.

Another of Vicky’s friends, John Wall, was also there to speak about who he called ‘Vicky the person’ and, like David, offered a wonderful insight into exactly the kind of woman Vicky Phelan was, away from her media persona.

Deirdre Walsh of Radio Kerry was also on hand to moderate a fascinating panel discussion with prominent cancer awareness advocates, including 221+ campaigners Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill Forde, as well as inspiring 18-year-old Roísín Ní Chadhla – BT Young Scientist and Student Public Health Researcher.

Recovery Haven Kerry Chairperson Tim McSwiney and Dr Brendan O’Donnell, MTU Registrar, both spoke eloquently on behalf of their organisations, in welcoming the tour to Kerry.

As part of the weekend’s programme, the stunning portrait was also on public display at the Sólás Centre on Saturday morning, where, once again, David Brennan, explained its origins and meaning behind it. The previous night’s speakers and Vicky’s parents were once again present for Saturday morning’s event, which was attended by over 60 people.

“Given the nature of our work in supporting those with cancer and their families, we are honoured to have been part of this special and very moving event which celebrates the legacy of a remarkable woman and continues her work of raising awareness and the importance of self-advocacy,” said Recovery Haven Kerry manager, Gemma Fort.

“We are extremely grateful for the co-operation of MTU Kerry, particularly the Department of Nursing and Healthcare Studies under the leadership of Dr Gerardina Harnett, and the support of Tralee Chamber Alliance and many other local businesspeople and community groups.”

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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