News
Time to get on your bike for Barraduff National School
W
WELL, the date has been named for an exciting annual event with all cyclists, sports enthusiasts and local athletes invited to get on their bikes for a very good cause as the fifth annual 80km resource cycle in aid of Barraduff National School takes place on Sunday, May 22.
The cycle will follow the same route as last year – from Barraduff school to Kilgarvan through Kenmare town, down Molls Gap into Killarney and finishing at Barraduff NS.
“Our regular cyclists tell us that this loop is the perfect preparation and practice spin for the Ring of Kerry Cycle in July,” said Sarah O’Brien of the organising committee, Barraduff NS Parents Council.
“You can set your own pace or cycle with colleagues, friends or fellow cycling club members. It’s short enough to be achievable and long enough to be challenging in a great supportive environment.”
Participants can park for free and register at Barraduff National School from 7.30am to 10am on the morning of the cycle or from 8pm to 9pm the evening before. The cost remains the same at €20 per saddle occupant and €15 for teenagers aged 16 and over.
“Once again, Whytes Centra, Killarney Road, Kenmare, will offer a discounted deal to hungry cyclists as they face the renowned climb up Molls Gap and our very welcome free water and encouragement station, sponsored by O’Donoghue’s Costcutters Shop, Barraduff Village,” added Sarah.
O’Sullivans Cycles, High Street, Killarney, will be on hand to promptly deal with any punctures or repairs needed, while the Order of Malta will be on duty for the duration of the event.
“Then it’s back to the comfort of John Dan’s Bar in Barraduff for a sup and a sandwich, with a great tasty free spread on offer, supplied by local parents and volunteer bakers,” said Sarah. “So save the date in your diary and get training for this year’s cycle through some of the Kingdom’s most amazing and breath taking scenery – you’ll be so glad you did it!”
Barraduff NS Parents Council is hoping for a great turn-out again this year to raise funds for that will be used to purchase IT equipment and teaching aids, which will be of enormous benefit to all of the students.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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