News
Tributes paid to first casualties of Easter Rising at Ballykissane Pier
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Mayor of Kerry Cllr Pat McCarthy lays a wreath in honour of the first casualties of the Easter Rising as an Army Piper plays a lament. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
THREE Irish Volunteers who were the first fatalities of the Easter Rising were commemorated in Killorglin this morning.
Con Keating, Daniel Sheehan and Charlie Monahan drowned when the car they were in went off the pier at Ballykissane pier on Good Friday night 1916.
They were on their way to Caherciveen’s wireless station at Valentia Island with a view to transmitting a series of signals which would fool the Royal Navy into believing that a German attack on Scottish naval bases was imminent.
It was hoped that this would allow the Aud, the German ship carrying arms for the Irish Volunteers, to proceed unmolested through Irish waters.
At the State ceremony the three men were honoured, with invited guests, including relatives of the men, gathering at 8am.
Guest of honour at the event was Cllr Pat McCarthy, cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council.
A Defence Forces National Colour Party was present on the pier for the duration of the ceremony.
Music was performed by the Killorglin Pipe and Drum Band and local harpist Rheidun Schlesinger.
Kay Keating, a grandniece of Con Keating, spoke about the tragedy.
The Cathaoirleach was then invited to lay a wreath, which was presented to him by members of the Defence Force. A minute’s silence followed.
Meanwhile, The arrival of Sir Roger Casement on Kerry shores 100 years ago today is being marked by a State Ceremony now underway which is attended by President Michael D Higgins as part of the centrepiece of Kerry’s marking of the 1916 centenary.
At 12 noon, the only State ceremony to take place outside of Dublin began at Banna Strand to mark 100 years to the day since Sir Roger Casement and his comrades landed in an attempt to arm the volunteers of the Rising.
The keynote address is being given by President Higgins who will lay a wreath at the anchor of the Aud.
The national flag will be raised, the Proclamation read and the Air Corps will perform a flyover.
After the event President Higgins will unveil a bust of Roger Casement in Ardfert Village before visiting the Casement exhibition at the County Museum.
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:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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