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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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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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