What happened in Kerry this week

Just nine days after welcoming American football royalty Tom Brady to the famous North Kerry course, Ballybunion Golf Club found themselves in the presence of golfing royalty on Monday morning as they enjoyed the company of six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo.

Kells Bay gardener Billy Alexander picked up another Gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show this week – making it a hat-trick in gold medals at the prestigious horticultural event for Kerry's most renowned gardener.

Taking place at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí for the first time ever is a brand new competition for those with disabilities or additional needs.

Last week brought a milestone moment for St Mary of the Angels as residents, staff and families celebrated 20 years of care at the Beaufort facility.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



Let's all run for Niamh!

'Sure, if I can’t run it, can’t I walk it?' - nothing could stop Niamh O’Connell when she decided to start running again in 2021, despite battling secondary cancer.

The Lixnaw mother-of-two was determined to get back on the road, even after learning her cancer had spread to her lungs.

She completed a 5k with Kilflynn City Running Group and went on to take part in several more runs over the next two years, including 5- and 10-kilometre events, despite her illness progressing.

Now Niamh's grit and determination have inspired her family and friends to raise funds for two charities in her memory, following her passing last October at the young age of 47.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



Billy scores hat-trick at Chelsea

KELLS BAY gardener Billy Alexander picked up another Gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show this week –a hat-trick in gold medals at the prestigious horticultural event for Kerry's most renowned gardener.

His ‘Wilde Kells Bay Gardens’ was also chosen as‘Best in Show’ at the prestigious event, and was one of only a handful of gardens chosen for a royal visit by King Charles II and Queen Camilla –who are practically old friends at this stage.

Alexander has been supplying ferns to the royal couple's Highgrove residence for the past seven years, ever since being introduced to them during their royal visit to Kerry in 2018.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



New inclusive contest at Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí

Taking place at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí for the first time ever is a brand new competition for those with disabilities or additional needs.

At this year’s festival, Kerry Comhaltas will be introducing a new Cuimsiú–the Irish word for Inclusion - competition for talented young musicians with a disability or additional needs.

The Cuimsiú idea was first raised by Kerry CCÉ Runaí Catrina Uí Ifearnáin as it was seen as an opportunity to develop participation and enjoyment of traditional Irish music arts for everyone in Kerry. 

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



Students explore new scientific horizons

MTU recently hosted Transition Years from two Kerry schools as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage young women to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

As part of this initiative, titledI WISH(Inspiring Women in STEM), Transition Years from Coláiste Gleann Lí, Tralee, and Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland, attended MTU to engage in practical workshops designed to encourage and inspire the students towards pursuing a career in STEM.

During the Transition Years’ visit to the university, the students got to take part in a series of interactive sessions exploring different scientific fields including civil engineering, agriculture, and biological sciences, which gave them an insight into the world of STEM and what they can expect from it.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



Thousands turn out for Tralee Food Festival

Thousands of people enjoyed the flavour and family-friendly entertainment on offer at this year’s volunteer-runTralee Food Festival.

The events got underway on Friday evening and continued under the glorious sunshine right over the weekend.

With over 100 food stalls put together, it was the largest collaborative community effort the town has seen in recent years, with organisers pulling out all the stops to ensure fun for everyone who came to taste, wander the trails and soak up the atmosphere.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.



Major milestone for Beaufort facility

Residents, staff, and families celebrated 20 years of St Mary of the Angels, Beaufort in an event held at the residential care facility last Friday. 

The celebration was in conjunction with the reopening of the hydrotherapy pool, after it was identified for refurbishment in 2023.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley was in attendance at the event to open the pool and unveil a new sign for the therapy building.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.