Killarney Active Retirement Association (ARA) had a large turnout for its annual general meeting, which marked a significant changing of the guard for the local organisation.

A special presentation was made to Nancy Hegarty, who is stepping back after serving the organisation for 33 years.

Throughout more than three decades on the committee, she worked to support the group across various roles at national, regional, and local levels.

Patricia Keane also stepped down from her position after completing her term.

The group extended its best wishes to both women for the future, noting that their experience remains a valuable asset to the association.

A new committee was formally elected at the meeting to lead the group forward. Joan O’Sullivan takes over as Chairperson, joined by Teresa Commins as Secretary and Helen Foley as Treasurer, alongside seven committee members who will take on supporting roles.

The group is now on its summer break after another busy season. Killarney Active Retirement Group meets every Friday from September to June annually at the KDYS hall from 2pm to 4pm.

The weekly meetings feature guest speakers, exercises, training sessions, shows, day trips, holidays, and tea dances.

The association welcomes new members, both male and female, to come along, have a cup of tea or coffee, make new friends, and participate at whatever level they feel comfortable with when activities resume in September.

Book launch: Sister completes late brother’s Shipping Forecast sea kayak challenge

A unique book promotional event will take place in the Beaufort Bar next week, telling the story of a sister who took to the sea to complete her late brother’s extraordinary adventure.

Katie Carr will speak at the Beaufort venue on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30pm to launch her most recent book, Thundery at Times. The book follows her journey to honour her brother, Toby, who passed away in the middle of his challenge to paddle in every sea area of the BBC Shipping Forecast. Despite having never been in a sea kayak before, Katie decided to take over the expedition and finish what he started.

The upcoming talk connects her new perspective with her earlier work, Moderate Becoming Good Later, which she wrote in Toby’s voice as a tribute to his determination. Her latest book looks at the intense physical and emotional challenges of taking on the journey herself.

Six of the famous BBC Shipping Forecast area, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon, Rockall, Malin, and Lund, reach the Irish coast. Five of the book’s chapters are set in Ireland, including a dedicated chapter on Kerry, making her upcoming visit to the county particularly meaningful.

The launch is being highlighted locally by Donal Dowd of Coolcaslagh, the retired Director of Cappanalea OETC, who accompanied Katie on the water during her journey.

“I accompanied Katie on one of her trips while she was completing the Shannon section, which commences in Valentia and stretches up as far north as Connemara in west Galway,” Donal said. “I encourage members of the public to attend what will be an entertaining event, as Katie is a most entertaining speaker, has great slides and video footage, and has a very interesting story to tell.”

The evening will include readings from the book, reflections on the writing and paddling processes, an audience question-and-answer session, and a book signing. Admission is open to all members of the public.