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Who let the dogs out?

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Our only town councillor, Cllr Donal Grady, is calling for parity of esteem between dogs and horses in Killarney. It seems that apart from one or two mavericks among the jarveys, the issue of horse dung has been truly tackled. The paths and park walkways are clean, at least of horse droppings, for cyclists and for parents with buggies and for walkers.

But amidst reports from neighbouring Cork that there is to be a ban on dogs in some town walkways to tackle persistent dog fouling, we have to ask what is wrong in Killarney? Persistent cries are being ignored.

Dog droppings are far more dangerous to human health - bringing all kinds of eye and other diseases - but there is no notice taken of them as far as the authorities in this town, and this includes the National Park, are concerned.

Cllr Donal is saying while there are staffing issues in the park with regard to policing, the local authority has within its remit the ability to appoint a specific dog warden or instruct other officials to take on the issue on the Countess Road, in estates, as well as at  the entrance to the National Park. So why not do that?

Dogs are not being kept in control in Killarney. Even judging by the number of ‘pets’ that go missing on walks and from back gardens. There is one popular social media site that is like a lost and found for Killarney dogs. Some of these pets are dangerous breeds and I would not like to meet one of them.

The underlying story is these so-called pets are being left off the leash and unmuzzled.

Speaking of which, I met a well known Killarney lady near Killarney House ten days ago and the sleeve of her jacket was all ripped after an encounter with an unmuzzled Alsation in the National Park.

There is a large sign near the Demesne, as there is near the new entrance in Muckross, about dangerous breeds needing to be muzzled and all dogs needing to be on the leash. I don’t know whether the dog or the owner is the one who can’t read, but these signs are very visible and very legible.

I constantly encounter dogs off-leash. I constantly meet owners smiling at me angelically, stopped while their dogs do the business by their side and not a pooper scooper in sight.

Now back to Cllr Grady. Horses don’t generally go around biting people and they are too busy working for a living to be bothered any further with humans. But the authorities weren’t long bringing the jarveys to the High Court to get action. Why can’t there be the same approach to out of control dogs and their owners?

All puns intended, Cllr Grady says it’s time to rein the dogs in too.

A reminder from Kerry County Council's own web site:

Under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, the following breeds have been identified as being potentially dangerous, therefore, at all times in public places these breeds must be securely muzzled, on a sufficiently strong chain/leash not exceeding 2m in length and in the control of a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling the dog. American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described in this article.

And under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. As the owner or person in charge of the dog you are required under this law to remove dog faeces and dispose of it in a suitable, sanitary manner. Failure to clean up after your dog can lead to “on the spot” fines and/or prosecution. If you wish to report dog fouling as a problem in your area, phone 066 716 2000 or email environ@kerrycoco.ie.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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