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Youth reach Amber status for promoting positive mental health

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By Michelle Crean

Hard work promoting positive mental health and well-being has secured an Amber Flag for the students and staff at Killarney Youthreach.

The Amber Flag is an initiative run by Pieta House that recognises the individual efforts of schools, Youthreach centres, third level institutions, and community groups to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being.

Killarney Youthreach students and staff came together in order to create a safe, positive and healthy attitude towards general physical and mental health and well-being.

In order to promote positive mental health and well-being, they engaged in a range of activities and actions including: mindfulness, creating a mental health and well-being noticeboard, organising a positive mental health week, engaging in mental health awareness training, timetabling physical activity in the outdoors, practicing gratitude and journaling. Students and staff are mindful of the five pillars of good mental health: connect with others, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.

“The efforts our young people put in were monumental and we are delighted that their hard work is being recognised nationally with the presentation of the Amber Flag,” Majella Hegarty, Killarney Youthreach Amber Flag staff leader, told the Killarney Advertiser.

Accepting Applications

Killarney Youthreach is now accepting applications from students who have left school. Kerry Education and Training Board’s Killarney Youthreach is operating out of a new purpose built premises at the rear of 50 High Street. Two main courses are on offer; Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 3 (NQF Junior Cert equivalent) and QQI Level 4 (NQF pass Leaving Cert equivalent). Each course has a range of subjects including computers, maths, communications, biology, and interpersonal skills. Killarney Youthreach also offers work experience, sports, outdoor activities, personal development, as well as CV and interview preparation.

Youthreach is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning. A training allowance is provided. If you are looking for a second chance at education, are aged between 16 and 20, and interested in joining Killarney Youthreach, please ring 064 663 2559 to set up an appointment for an interview.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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