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Tourism chiefs put their industry in the spotlight

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THE great employment and training opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector in Kerry will be clearly outlined at a high-profile event in Killarney at the weekend.

One of the key speakers at the Let’s Talk Tourism forum at The Brehon Hotel will be Paul O’Toole who is the head of Solas, the state organisation with responsibility for funding, planning and co-ordinating further education and training programmes in the country.

His organisation has been tasked with building the identity and values of a world-class, integrated education and skills sector that is responsive to the needs of learners and the requirements of a changing economy.

“We believe that by providing a further education and training sector that is tailored to the needs of learners, employers and communities, we can harness the individual’s skills, strengthen the economy and promote social togetherness,” said Mr O’Toole, a former director general of FÁS who also served as chief executive of Tourism Ireland and general manager of Bord Fáilte.

Other key speakers at the forum will include Fáilte Ireland chief executive Paul Kelly, Mark Henry of Tourism Ireland, Fiona Monaghan, head of the Wild Atlantic Way project at Fáilte Ireland, Guinness Storehouse boss Paul Carty, Minister of State for Tourism Brendan Griffin and Kerry County Council CEO Moira Murrell.

The forum will commence on Friday morning with an opening address from event chairperson Margaret Cahill and topics on the agenda for the day include the importance of the tourism industry, regionality and seasonality, planning, skills and manpower, digital trends, food tourism, air access and screen tourism.

In addition to the keynote speakers, there will be a frank exchange of views and opinions in a series of expert panel discussions with participants to include John Brennan of the Park Hotel, Kenmare, Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Helena Healy of B&B Ireland, travel writers Eoghan Corry and Pól Ó Conghaile, David McCarthy of AIB and Bernadette Enright of the Hospitality, Education and Training Centre.

Friday night will involve a business networking dinner in The Malton Hotel and on Saturday forum delegates and their guests will enjoy a visit to the Skellig Coast and Valentia Island.

 


 
Above: At the launch of the National Tourism Forum/Let's Talk Tourism Conference which takes place in The Brehon Hotel this weekend were from left, Joan McCarthy, Kerry County Council, Paul O'Neill, President, Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Margaret Cahill, Chairperson, NTF, Emer Corridan, IHF, Sean Healy, AIB and Ciara O'Grady, NTF. Pic: Don MacMonagle

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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