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Tributes to Paul Coghlan

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A senator, a former town mayor – twice – president of the Chamber of Tourism and commerce – Paul Coghlan did it all.

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Tributes have been pouring in since his sad passing last Thursday.

From the business community and across the political divide Mr Coghlan was a hugely popular figure in the town.

The current Mayor of Killarney, Cllr. Niall Kelleher, led the tributes. He said: As Mayor of Killarney I wish to extend my sympathies to the wife and family of the late Paul Coghlan whose passing, on Thursday, caused great sadness in the town

"Paul was a larger-than-life character who contributed enormously, over a long period of time, to business and political life and he always had the interests of Killarney and its people at heart.”

Prior to his election to Seanad Éireann, Paul was very actively involved in local politics, serving as a member of Killarney Urban District Council from 1985 to 1999 and Kerry County Council from 1991 to 1999.

“I know he was particularly proud of the two terms he served as Mayor of Killarney and he represented the town and its people with great purpose and eloquence when he wore the chain of office,” added Mr Kelleher.

“He was a real driving force in the local business community and he was a long-time member of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, serving as its President in 1980. He campaigned very actively and with great consistency to have Killarney House and Gardens developed into a world class visitor attraction when it was gifted to the town by the McShain family and I know that Paul’s contribution to the Trustees of Muckross House was also greatly valued.”

Paul will also be remembered by many for his contribution to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, as a captain, a director and as a playing member.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn, also paid tribute to the late former senator.

Cllr Flynn said Paul Coghlan was a distinguished politician who had given many long years of service as a member of Seanad Éireann, Kerry County Council and Killarney Urban District Council.

“Paul was first and foremost a Killarney man and throughout his career, he always advocated eloquently for his native place and for the county as a whole. Whether making his mark in the UDC Chamber, the County Council Chamber or the Seanad Chamber, he was a dedicated and committed public servant who had many friends across the political divide,” said Mr Flynn.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the late Paul Coghlan, a long-time member of the Chamber who was a very effective and dedicated president of the organisation in 1980.

A statement issued by joint presidents, Pádraig Treacy and Johnny McGuire, said Paul was involved in almost every facet of Killarney life and he made an enormous contribution to local business and the community.

The statement read: “He was a true and loyal supporter of the Killarney brand and took great pride in playing his part in ensuring the town was a great place to live and visit.

“As Chamber president and as the two-time chairman of the former Killarney Town Council, Paul spearheaded several projects that improved the town and its environs and he played a major role as a Trustee of Muckross House, overseeing the responsible management of Killarney’s most precious asset, the 26,000-acre national park.

“As a senator he always had Killarney and Kerry’s best interests at heart and he was a strong voice and a great advocate for the town and county along the corridors of power.

“As an auctioneer, Paul was very active in the business life of the town and he was always available to lend his advice and offer practical and sensible solutions to property matters”.

An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, expressed his condolences.

“Paul was a very proud Kerryman. During his time in Seanad Éireann, Paul served as Leas-Cathaoirleach and Government Chief Whip of the Seanad, as well as Fine Gael spokesperson for Defence. He also served on the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the Joint Oireachtas Committees on EU Affairs and Finance.

Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae said:

“Paul was probably one of the most courteous kind and sincere politicians ever to come out of Kerry.

“He always had a good and kind word for everyone, and his popularity crossed all party-political divides.

“Everyone will always remember his kind smile, his friendly words. He always put the best foot possible forward for Killarney and Co Kerry.”

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New St author brings Fitzgerald’s story to life

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong […]

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Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong anecdotal evidence that the great American wordsmith had Kerry roots.

There has been suggestions that Fitzgerald’s family can traced to Horse Island off Ballinskelligs and research is ongoing to determine if the famous novelist, essayist and short story writer gave any indication of his Kerry connection during his lifetime.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, formerly of New Street, Killarney and now residing in Beaufort, is the author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman which was released in March to coincide with the 100th anniversary of publication of Fitzgerald’s most famous work.
O’Sullivan Greene’s research found that Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was initially deeply ashamed of his Irish connection but his views softened when he took an interest in revolutionary politics.
The Killarney man’s book guides the reader through F Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled upbringing, his quest for status, his ambivalence towards his Irish heritage, the socio-political climate of early 20th-century America and the careless jazz era excesses portrayed in The Great Gatsby.
The book peels back the intricate layers of Fitzgerald’s character, revealing the underlying themes of identity and self-rejection in his work, his shifting views of Irish issues and how his personal battles influenced his writing and contributed to his tragic life.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene will deliver what promises to be an engaging talk on the life and times of F Scott Fitzgerald in the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney on Thursday, July 3 at 6.45pm.
Part of the Celebration of Irish and American Friendship programme, the free lecture is titled Revolution, Rejection and Revival and it will mark a celebration of 100 years of The Great Gatsby.
The event will also include a glamorous 1920’s dance spectacular, tuition on how to dance the Charleston and a live performance by Killarney’s own Liberace, Jack Patrick Healy. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
The author will also share the story of how F Scott Fitzgerald’s grandson, Thomas Manhan, came to Ireland to learn Irish following his graduation in 1964.

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U2’s The Edge among new Irish Citizens

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC. The ceremonies took place on Monday and […]

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U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC.

The ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday this week
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens.
Seven ceremonies were held over the two days. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, is joined by Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, and Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.
“Today’s ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together. I moved to Ireland with my parents as a baby, so it’s not a stretch to say that this is long overdue! I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I’m so grateful for that,” said The Edge.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said:: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society.”
Minister Brophy congratulated the new citizens, adding: “Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”
Judge Paddy McMahon was the Presiding Officer for the ceremonies. administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, where new citizens commit to observing Irish laws and respecting its democratic values.
The Citizenship Division has seen a significant increase in applications, processing over 20,000 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024, up from around 12,000 annually just over two years ago.

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