What happened in Kerry this week
This time last year Michael Cahill was staring death in the face, now he’s looking forward with optimism to a new chapter, representing the people of Kerry as a Teachta Dála (TD) in the 34th Dáil.
Flood victims in Listowel and Killocrim have formed a committee following the November 23 disaster that saw upwards of 70 homes destroyed by water – and they’re now demanding a sit-down with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The demand being placed on charity shops in Castleisland has more than doubled since before Covid-19, as the cost of rent, food, clothes and other essential items continues to rise – despite a stagnation in the rate of pay.
The stories of families who lost a loved one during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic have been captured in a new book called ‘Shine On’ that will also raise funds for cancer service charities.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Fionn’s Toy Show wish comes true
Little Fionn O’Regan’s Christmas Wish is to be on the Late Late Toy Show – but the Rathmore boy got more than he ever dreamed of when he was picked to be part of the programme's history on the very first Toy Show County Parade.
Parents Mary and Denis and big brother Liam (8) will be cheering on Fionn from the green room at RTÉ studios this Friday night, when the six-year-old features on Ireland's most-watched programme of the year.
After Denis saw a call-out for kids to audition, he sent the producers a clip of Fionn having fun describing a toy - and much to the family’s surprise and delight Fionn was chosen to go to Dublin, where he and his family spent a day in RTÉ.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Tralee student takes global top prize
UCC student Ephrata Yosef from Tralee has won a prestigious award representing multinational company Ernst and Young Ireland – after being chosen from 4,226 applications, Ephrata was one of just 25 worldwide finalists and is now one of the two overall winners picked at a global event in Madrid.
To say that Ephrata’s family are proud would be an understatement. The former student of Mercy Mounthawk Secondary school, who is on work placement as a Strategy and Transactions intern at theErnst and Young Cork office, was chosen to represent her company and country after winning the EY NextGen Women competition.
The competition was set up to showcase inspiring university women working in strategy and transactions.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Mitchels have the be-leaf!
John Mitchels in Tralee are blazing an environmentally-friendly trail - to become the first GAA club in the country to plant a Mini-Forest.
Last week, club members and Transition Year students of Mercy Mounthawk planted 2,500 native trees on the club grounds at Ballyseedy in Tralee.
A 2024/ 25 regional planting campaign kicked off at John Mitchels GAA Club, which is supporting the One Hundred Million Trees Project –and is the first GAA club in Kerry to join the initiative.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Flood victims call for OPW meeting
FLOOD victims in Listowel and Killocrim have formed a committee following the November 23 disaster that saw upwards of 70 homes destroyed by water –and they’re now demanding a sit-down with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
On Thursday (November 28), around 50 people attended a meeting in Listowel, where they expressed their shock and anger at what some have described as the ‘uncoordinated response’ from Kerry County Council and emergency services to the severe flooding that devastated the town.
The impact of the flood water on people’s homes and the issue of previous flooding in these areas were discussed at the meeting, which was attended by all local councillors including Listowel Mayor Jimmy Moloney (Fianna Fáil).
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Mounthawk choir hit high notes for Kerry Hospice
The talented choir of Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School in Tralee are singing their hearts out for a charity CD that not only serves as an archive for their wonderful music-making but will also support the vital services of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Launched last week, all proceeds from the students’ musical masterpiece called ‘Mercy Mounthawk: A Christmas Collection’ are going to the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
PrincipalJohn O'Roarke explained that since the foundation of the school in 2001, there has been a vibrant tradition of music and choir singing at Mercy Mounthawk.
“We have been blessed over these years with gifted students whose talent is clearly showcased in this recorded CD, over the last eight years. Our school choir has won awards at Cork Choral Festival and Limerick Choral Festival. The choir regularly performs at major events during the school year, such as the Carol Service, Awards Night, and for school liturgies,” Mr O’Roarke said.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Demand doubles at charity shops
THE DEMAND being placed on charity shops in Castleisland has more than doubled since before Covid-19, as the cost of rent, food, clothes and other essential items continues to rise – despite a stagnation in the rate of pay.
The town’s charity shops in Castleisland are currently busier than ever, as volunteers work tirelessly to process the generous donations from locals and allocate the sales money for buying food vouchers, clothing and even fuel top-ups for those most in need.
And as the Christmas season fast approaches, Castleisland Tidy Towns is encouraging people to buy local at Sue Ryder, St Vincent De Paul, Kingdom Care and Kerry Mental Health Association - where they might find unique gifts not available in commercial stores, while contributing to a greater cause and helping to reduce their impact on the environment.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
