Photos and words by: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

There is a saying that a lighthouse never shines for itself. It stands as a beacon for others, offering hope, guidance and light when it is needed most. That sentiment could not describe this year’s Kerry Rose, Caoimhe Lynch, any better.

As she prepares to represent the Kingdom at the Rose of Tralee this August, Caoimhe continues to prove that wearing the sash is about far more than appearances. Through The Light House Project, which she founded in 2024, she is quietly transforming lives, creating opportunities and reminding young people that someone believes in them.
The Light House Project was established with a simple but powerful mission – to spark a light in people. Working with young people from disadvantaged communities, the organisation provides recreational experiences and self-development opportunities that inspire confidence, resilience and hope.
That mission recently brought a group of students from Ballymun to Kerry for a special retreat in Caoimhe’s native Beaufort. Staying with a family friend and supported by the incredible generosity of businesses and volunteers throughout Killarney, the trip offered the girls a chance to step away from everyday challenges and experience the warmth and welcome for which Kerry is renowned.
Their unforgettable few days included lunch at Manna Café, bike hire from O’Sullivan’s Killarney Rent-A-Bike, a wellbeing session with Sinéad Buckley of TeenZone, a restorative lake dip and sauna experience at Loughdale Cottage, dinner at JM Reidy’s courtesy of the Sheehan Group, and an evening enjoying the spectacular Celtic Steps show. Every contribution demonstrated the extraordinary community spirit that makes Kerry so special.
Anna O’Connor, who worked alongside Caoimhe to make the retreat possible, said: “I have known Caoimhe since primary school, and she has always put everyone else first. The work she does through The Light House Project is truly inspiring, and it is incredible to see the difference she makes in the lives of young people. Even while preparing for the Rose of Tralee, she continues to put others first. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to represent Kerry.”
Perhaps the greatest measure of Caoimhe’s impact, however, comes from the young people themselves. One student simply said: “Caoimhe has been my favourite teacher I could ever ask for and she has always been supportive and caring towards me. Caoimhe believed in me during times when nobody else has.”

TFI Anseo demand-responsive transport pilot extended

The National Transport Authority (NTA) and TFI Local Link Kerry have announced an extension of the TFI Anseo pilot service in Killarney following a successful first year of operation.

Funded through the Climate Action Fund as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the demand-responsive bus service has supported over 82,000 passenger journeys since launching on August 11, 2025. The extension will allow the service to continue operating while a final evaluation report is compiled for December 2026.
The pilot allows passengers to book flexible trips for work, healthcare appointments, shopping, and social visits across the Killarney area.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the extension, stating:
“I am very pleased to see the TFI Anseo pilot service being extended following its highly successful first year. The sheer number of passenger journeys recorded shows that the local community have embraced this innovative service, which truly puts the passenger at the heart of the journey. Extending the pilot allows us to continue learning how to provide practical transport solutions that encourage sustainable and inclusive travel.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, noted that local feedback from business owners and residents demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in demand-responsive transport for rural communities.
NTA CEO Anne Shaw confirmed the pilot has operated within budget while providing key insights into future rural public transport. Over the autumn months, the NTA will conduct customer satisfaction surveys to gather further feedback from local passengers.