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Town’s community heroes given top honours

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RECOGNITION: Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, presenting Sergeant Dermot O'Connell, Killarney Garda Station, with his award in recognition of his creation of the ‘Operation Páistí’ safety initiative, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Also included is Moira Murrell, Chief Executive Kerry County Council and Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Michael Gleeson. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

 

By Colm Looney

Killarney teenage hero Ian O’Connell and Sergeant Dermot O’Connell were among the Killarney community leaders who were honoured at the Kerry County Council and Municipal District Awards ceremony on Friday night (February 21).

 

[caption id="attachment_30392" align="alignleft" width="1024"] AWARD WINNERS: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson with local councillors, presenting, Rena Kennelly, front centre, with her award. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

Kerry County Council paid tribute to the town’s top achievers at a gala awards ceremony in the Great Southern Killarney.

[caption id="attachment_30391" align="alignleft" width="1024"] LOCAL HERO: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting, Rena Kennelly, Killarney, in recognition of lifetime dedication and creation of St Mary's Cathedral annual Christmas Crib, Killarney, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Also included is, Angela McAllen, Manager Killarney Municipal District and Cllr Donal Grady. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

 

 

The annual awards were presented to teams, organisations, groups and individuals who had achieved notable success and brought distinction and honour to their communities and their native county.

The awards were presented to the Killarney recipients by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Cllr Niall Kelleher and Cathaoirleach of Killarney MD Cllr Michael Gleeson. A Civic Reception was also conferred to Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell to honour his courage and positive attitude in the face of adversity, following his severe cycling accident in August 2017, which left him badly injured at the age of 16.

“We pay tribute to those who have pursued their dreams, excelled in their field, led community or voluntary groups, achieved records and new personal bests, and brought glory to their teams on the field of play,” Cathaoirleach Niall Kelleher said.

“Your stories and achievements are truly inspiring and prove again that, in Kerry, our people are our best asset. We thank you for your heroism, dedication and tenacity.”

[caption id="attachment_30390" align="alignleft" width="1024"] MUSIC MAGIC: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting Ann Mangan and team from Killarney Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in recognition of their gold winning achievements at Fleadh Cheoil na h-ƒEireann 2019, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

 

 

 

Sgt Dermot O’Connell was awarded for his creation of the ‘Operation Páistí’ safety initiative which he devised in 2018 to make it easier for parents to understand the safest way to restrain children in cars.

Killarney woman Rena Kennelly’s work on the Nativity Scene in the cathedral was recognised, as she was awarded for the all the hard-work she has put into designing it over the last 46 years.

Killarney Scorchers Cheerleading Club and Killarney Comhaltas Dancers were also awarded for their never-ending ability to display the talents of youths across the town since they were both founded.

 

[caption id="attachment_30389" align="alignleft" width="1024"] LEADERS: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Michael Gleeson, presenting Killarney Scorchers Cheerleading Club: Hayley Murphy and team in recognition of the achievements in the International Cheerleading Championships, at the Kerry County Council Annual Awards, at the Great Southern Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan[/caption]

 

 

 

 

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A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

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St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

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European title for Killarney handball star

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By Con Dennehy

Killarney handball star Owen Brosnan answered Ireland’s call at the weekend with a breathtaking display at the European One Wall Tour in London.

Currow native and Spa Killarney Handballer, Brosnan took on the best players in England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France and Israel and thanks to a superb display returned back to Kerry with a European gold medal following his phenomenal success in the Men’s C Plate competition.
Played at the Westway Sports Complex in London, more than 150 players took part in the competition on six indoor courts with Brosnan and his Killarney team colleague Tim Cronin playing 15 games over the two days. Following earlier round victories, Brosnan was paired with Tim Cronin in a Kerry dominated semifinal clash. This was an exciting high-octane game with both players producing a classic display of handball. Aces were hard fought with just one point separating both players at the end of a pulsating game. Brosnan advanced to the final on a 21-20 scoreline. “I was thrilled with my semifinal game. It was a hard-fought contest with all the training at the Spa GAA Hall helping me edge out a win. We train together and know each other strengths and weaknesses which added to the excitement of the occasion. We both teamed up in the Men’s B Plate Doubles competition reaching the semifinal where we were defeated by Matt Flapan and Gleb Spiridon, a USA/Israel combination,” said Owen.
Brosnan produced a superb display of fast paced handball in the Men’s C Plate final where his opponent was the highly fancied Josh Thomas from Wales. Using the court to his full advantage, the Killarney player produced a brilliant all-round performance to record a 21-18 victory and in the process his first major title.
“Naturally, I was delighted with the success. Both Tim and I started the sport by accident over 12 months ago when we attended an Open Family Day at Spa GAA Club. Brendan O’Donoghue, one of the founders of Spa Killarney Handball Club, was giving a demonstration of handball and invited us to try it out. We both enjoyed the experience and have been playing ever since. We are looking forward to the various domestic competitions over the coming months and really enjoy the training and fun element to the sport in the club.”

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