The Mad Ones co-founders, Kate McSweeney (left) and tara Walmsley doing a spot of manequinning as they prepare for their Main Street Pop-Up opening tomorrow from 12noon to 4-30pm. ©Photograph: John Reidy

It started off with the highly organic ‘Guerilla Retailing’ tag in Los Angeles – where else?
However, it’s been refined now and rebranded maybe more appropriately as ‘Pop-Up Shopping’ – and it has arrived in Castleisland – The Fashion Capital of Kerry.
While many eyes will be fixed on the General Election 2016 count in Killarney tomorrow, the eyes of the fashion conscious will be on Castleisland’s first ‘Pop-Up’ on the town’s Main Street at No 75.

Branched Out

The Mad Ones aka, Kate McSweeney and Tara Walmsley have branched out from their online boutique and are stepping into high street trading – pop-up style. They will be in the Slice of Life Healthfood store between 12noon and 4-30pm.

While the on-line shop is still very much part of their ongoing business plan, The Mad Ones are anxious to also establish an on-street presence ahead of the spring / summer fashion season.

The Mad Ones: Kate McSweeney and Tara Walmsley prepare for their Main Street Pop-Up opening tomorrow. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The Mad Ones name is inspired by the infamous Jack Kerouac quote: “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”

Chilled Out Vibe

“There is a distinct, chilled-out vibe at the Pop-up Shop with records spinning and coffee brewing while shoppers browse through the collection of clothing,” said joint owners, Kate McSweeny and Tara Walmsley.

For more information on The Mad Ones just click on the advert here.

“It’s a place for conversation for like-minded people acting as a hangout with discussions happening as clothes are tried on and put together in various ways. These pieces vary from one-off, vintage items to new-in vintage style, bohemian inspired clothes. The Mad Ones aim to stand out from the crowd and bring out each person’s unique sense of style,” they added.
So, No. 75 Main Street, Castleisland is the place to be tomorrow to witness a bit of Pop-Up fashion history in the Fashion Capital of Kerry.

The Castleisland contingent in sunny Bannalec during one of the recent ‘away’ trips. Photograph Courtesy of John O’Donoghue.

The Castleisland / Sliabh Luachra Twinning Association is organising a visit to its twinned town of Bannalec this year. The visit will commence on Sunday July 31st and the party will fly from Cork to Nantes airport.

“We will spend a few days in Bannalec, Brittany and the group will be hosted by families while there. Our Bannalec friends spent a week in Ireland last July and stayed with us in Castleisland for three nights,” said spokesman, John O’Donoghue.

“It is always an enjoyable experience when we meet our friends and families and Brittany is a lovely part of France to visit with plenty to do and see. Our stay this year will coincide with the 10 day Lorient Celtic Festival – which the last group that travelled to Bannalec in 2014 had the pleasure of attending.

“If you are interested in travelling with the group to Brittany or for further information please contact John on 087 24 62 098, Hugh on 085 17 40 677 ,” said Mr. O’Donoghue.

You can also email the association at: castleislandbannalectwinning@gmail.com

If you want to have a look at the Lorient Celtic Festival you can do so with a click here: http://www.france-voyage.com/events/lorient-interceltic-festival-28.htm

Someone up There.. Michael Healy Rae, TD and Danny Healy Rae, TD waiting after midnight for the announcement of Michael’s election to the 32nd Dáil at the count centre in Killarney. They’ll be in Castleisland at about 6pm or so this evening. ©Photograph: John Reidy

As they would, the 32nd Dáil Double Brother- Act, Danny Healy Rae, TD and Michael Healy Rae, TD are currently on a thanksgiving tour of the Kerry constituency with a cavalcade of about 40 cars and growing.

The political history-making brothers were full of praise, for the electorate of the area they’re now re-traipsing, as it became apparent yesterday that their big day in the sun would come to pass.

While waiting for the election count to wind its methodical way to a conclusion yesterday evening, the brothers excused themselves as they had important constituency business to attend to. They headed off , without fanfare, to the funeral of a constituent.
It was only made known by a close supporter in response to one of the many demands for their time from the overwhelming press presence which had gathered in one of the most newsworthy constituencies in yesterday’s long count.

The cavalcade which was initially due in Castleisland around 4pm this evening is now working on a 6pm – or close – as its time of arrival here.

Main Street here is already looking like a grandstand finish as people are arriving and parking up on a bitterly cold evening. All is in readiness to give the brothers the kind of welcome usually reserved for sporting heroes.

The man in the street is a fair old judge of weather, religion and politics and many other forbidables in the list of topics in public house rulebooks.

Ever since Cllr. Danny Healy Rae entered the race for the 32nd Dáil, the man on the street has had an opinion of his chances of joining his brother Michael in that most exclusive club.

The man on the street had his opinions firmly vindicated by the turn of events over the weekend and he revelled in this evening’s ‘Thanksgiving Tour’ by the just elected Healy Rae brothers through many parts of their constituency.
The cavalcade arrived in Castleisland close to 6-30pm and the street was lined with well-wishers as Danny arrived as a pillion passenger behind Den Joe O’Connor and Michael sat out through the window ope of a car in the cavalcade.
There was a brief stop for selfies and photographs and good old fashioned hand shaking. The Betty O’Connell arrived in the plinth in the middle of the street with a bottle of champagne and a fist of glasses and pop went the cork and up went the cheers.

The famous Kilgarvan brothers were left in no doubt about their popularity as the colourful cavalcade made its way through the cheering crowd before heading into the darkness and the next stop in their brand new constituency.
One man on the street summed up the event by asking another: “Did you ever see the likes of that before? “I didn’t,” came the reply “but isn’t that why they’re where they are this evening.”

Published Tarbert writer, Mary Lavery-Carrig has a play included in this year’s Kerry Drama Festival programme. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The 2016 Kerry Drama Festival will get under way on this Friday night from 7-30pm. It will be held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland at the Ivyleaf Art Centre, Castleisland from Friday, March 4th to Saturday March 12th. Shows nightly at 8pm. The festival has been held in the Ivyleaf Art Centre since it was revived in 1988.

The 2016 festival has a distinctly home produced flavour to it with no less that two Kerry groups taking to the stage. Tarbert Theatre Players will stage the play Diarmy by one of their own on Monday night, March 6th. Mary Lavery-Carrig is an award winning, published writer and poet who has also had her work broadcast on RTÉ Radio One.

Huge Following

Listowel Drama Group will bring the curtain down on the festival on Saturday night, March 12th with Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. Both North Kerry groups are likely to bring a huge following on the relatively short hop to The Island on their respective nights.

The nine-night programme will roll out one of the strongest menus of groups, plays and playwrights the festival has seen in years.

Many old KDF favourites are returning to the stage here like: the Shoestring Theatre Company; Skibereen, Theatre Society; Palace Players; Corofin Dramatic Society and more with the new-comers.
Playwirghts like: John B Keane; Billy Roche; Tom Murphy and Noel Coward will be joined by the aforementioned Ms. Lavery-Carrig in what is sure to be a huge occasion for her and the Tarbert group.

Opened by Mayor O’Connell

John B. Keane at home in William Street, Listowel. ©Photograph: John Reidy 22/07/1993

The event will be opened on this Friday night by Cllr. Bobby O’Connell, Mayor of Killarney Municipal Area and the festival will be adjudicated on by Michael Twomey, ADA of stage and screen fame. Festival director, Jerome Stack and his committee have put an attractive theatrical menu together for this the 29th annual Kerry Drama Festival.

The menu for the nine nights reads as follows:

Friday, March 4th. Dalkey Players with Jane Eyre, adapted by Polly Teale.
Saturday, March 5th. Corofin Dramatic Society with A Day in the Death of Joe Egg by Peter Nichols.
Sunday, March 6th. Brideview Drama with The Belfry by Billy Roche.
Monday, March 7th. Tarbert Theatre Players with Diarmy by Mary Lavery Carrig.
Tuesday, March 8th. Shannonside Drama Group with The Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy.
Wednesday, March 9th. Shoestring Theatre Company with Sharon’s Grave by John B. Keane.

Founder members of the 1988 revived Kerry Drama Festival pictured at its 25th anniversary opening of the 2012 festival at the Ivy Leaf Art Centre. Included are: Nora Relihan, Listowel; Listowel native, Jerome Stack, Castleisland; Mary Murphy, Killarney and Oliver O’Neill, Listowel. ©Photograph: John Reidy 2-3-2012

Thursday, March 10th. Skibbereen Theatre Society with The Quiet Moment by Mike Finn.
Friday, March 11th. Palace Players with The Gigli Concert by Tom Murphy.
Saturday, March 12th. Listowel Drama Group with Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.

Booking Service

The festival booking service can be contacted on: 086 10 54 515. Shows Nightly at 8pm. Admission: Adults €10 Season Tickets: Adults €60 Concession €8 Concession €50.

The major sponsors of the event are: Kerry County Council Arts Department; Allied Irish Bank; Castleisland Co-Op Mart; River Island Hotel; Kerry Drama Federation; The Crumb; The Broderick Family; McElligott’s Furniture and Bank of Ireland.

County Champions: St. Bridget’s U-12 basketball team from Currow, winners of the Kerry Division 3 County League title when they defeated Tralee Imperials in Currow on Wednesday night. They defeated St. Annes, St. Marys, Kenmare Kestrals and Gneeveguilla in the earlier rounds of the competition. Front from left: Cara Fleming, Ciara Casey, Clodagh Coffey, Mia Key, Danielle Moriarty. Back from left: Amy Galwey,coach; Celia McMahon, Fiona Brosnan, Mary Lillie Keane, Megan Dennehy, Julia Curtin and Fiona Nelligan McGuire, coach. Photograph: Con Dennehy

Castleisland Golf Club

Results for Sunday 28th February 2016
Singles 18 hole Stableford: 1st. Eamon Feely 46pts. 2nd/ Brendan Hickey 38 pts. 3rd / John Lyons 38 pts. Div 1 Kevin Hanifin 37 pts. Div 2 Tom McNeice 36 pts. Div 3 Willy O’Leary 35 pts.
Spring League Team D. Liam Martin 185 pts. H John Haugh 171 pts. F James Mc Auliffe 164 pts
C Denis O Sullivan 157 pts. Spring League 2nd round on next Sunday.

River Island Hotel Cards

Results of the card game held in The River Island Hotel on Sunday night.
1st. Jimmy Breen and Donie Ruane. 2nd. Eddie Barrett and Seamus McKenna. Ladies: Dolly McAulliffe and Norrie O’Connor, Ann Walsh and Jane Colfer. Gents: Mike and Nick Kearney,
Mixed: Eileen and Ned Murphy, Joan Nolan and Tony Fleming. Spots: Hannah and Liam Herlihy, Bill O’Sullivan and Mick Leahy, Maureen Fitzgerald and Kathleen McCarthy. Cards continue next Sunday night at 9pm sharp.

Ballymacelligott GAA Club Notes

LOTTO
The lotto was held in Ballygarry House on Monday 22nd February 2016 for a jackpot of €1,800. There was no winner.
Lucky Dips
1. Naomi O Sullivan, Ballydwyer
2. Colette O Connor, c/o Tony O Riordan
3. Michael Moran, c/o Ryles Menswear
4. Corneila Casey, c/o Tom Leen
5. Eddie Lynch, Kielduff
Sellers Prize: O Riadas. The lotto now stands at €1,900 and can be played at www.ballymacgaa.com

SENIORS
Our seniors take on John Mitchels in a double-up fixture for both St. Brendan’s and Tralee Town Board leagues. Throw in at 12.30 this Sunday and the venue is to be confirmed. Please check our Facebook and Twitter accounts for further updates.

MINORS
MOYVANE/ TARBERT  2-7   BALLYMACELLIGOTT  0-15
Our first minor Co League game was away to Moyvane /Tarbert last Saturday evening. The pitch was somewhat heavy but at least the sun shone. A fine display by Tomas O Connor scoring 7 points in total (5 from play ) was one of the main reasons for this victory. We got off to a poor start and were 1-2 to no score down after 5 minutes. Ballymac came more into the game but may have been better advised taking points rather than going for goals. The home side got another point before 3 points by Tomas gave us a grip in the game. A fantastic point by Darrragh Regan from almost the sideline narrowed the lead to 2 points. Robert O Dowd pointed for us and Moyvane pointed from a free. Three more points by Tomas and one from Michael Hoare put us 2 points up ( 0-9 to 1-4 ) at half time. On the restart Moyvane got two quick points with Robert pointing for us from a Michael Hoare pass.  Darragh Regan, Liam O Malley and Tomas all pointed for us but Moyvane broke through for a goal to cut our lead to a point with 10 minutes left. D Regan pointed for us and the home side also pointed. Keelan brought off a fine interception before running over half the length of the field and pointing a fantastic score to win a tight game. Eddie Rogers, Micheal Reidy and Josh O Keeffe worked hard in defence with Eoin and Liam O,Malley also in fine form.
TEAM & SCORERS Garry Horan, Kevin O Connor, Eddie Rogers, Tadgh Brick, Josh O Keeffe, Micheal Reidy, Chris Lowe, Keelan Brosnan (0-1) Liam O Malley (0-1) Eoin O Malley, Tomas O Connor (0-7) Michael Hoare (0-1) Barry Lyons, Robert O Dowd (0-2) Darragh Regan (0-3). Subs Daire Keane, Cathal Dunne, Daire Chawke.

FAOI 12
Our U 12 team began training on Friday and Sunday evening last in preparation for the forthcoming season.  This year in the first phase of the Co. League our Blue and Gold team are placed in Division 1 where the opposition will be provided by Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes, Glenflesk and Kilcummin.  The first phase is due to begin in the middle of April.

FAOI 6
The U 6 Academy of  boys and girls had another great morning learning new skills and lots of fun and games.  Academy continues next Sunday from 11.05 to 11.55 in St. Brendans Hall Ballydwyer.

REFEREES COURSE
The County Board are organising a referees course this March 23rd, 29th and 31st. Times and venue are to be confirmed. There are still some places available and if anyone is interested in taking on the course then contact club secretary Fionnán Fitzgerald at 087-9860441

WEBSITE
On Wednesday 2nd March Ballymacs GAA Club’s new website will go live.  Many thanks to Eamon Moriarty of EM Dzine and Maureen O Shea whose work on this ensures Ballymac GAA Club will have an up to date modern website.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Congratulations to Sinead Carr on winning her section of the U12 solo singing at the Community games recently.  Hard luck to Tara Murphy who did us proud in her section and was unfortunate not to come out on top.

Castleisland native, New York based ‘Star Dresser’ Edward ‘Eddie’ O’Sullivan pictured with Cate Blanchett and the dress which had fashion writers drooling at the Oscars.

Like leaves in a breeze, the leading fashion magazines have been following the spiralling career of fashion designer, personal shopper and dresser to the stars, Edward O’Sullivan.
The Barrack Street, Castleisland native was a behind-the-scenes presence at the weekend’s Oscars awards.
He is credited with dressing Cate Blanchett – who wowed those same fashion writers and magazines with a look which Eddie had a big say in putting together.

Two Pairs of Pants and a Sweater

In the course of an interview with The Irish Times in June of 2000 he told the paper that he arrived in JFK Airport 10 years previous to that with two pairs of pants and a sweater. I certainly didn’t own a Prada suit, and now look at me!” he invited.

Eddie was the personal shopper at Prada on Fifth Avenue in New York, a role that saw him dressing stars such as: Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Leonardo di Caprio and Kevin Bacon. If you see paparazzi shots of Tom Cruise wearing a sharp Prada suit to a premiere, that’s Edward’s work. Catherine Zeta Jones at an award ceremony? Uma Thurman at the Oscars? They’ve all been to see Edward.

Mary Owens (back left) with parents Denny and Josephine O’Sullivan were: Denise and Helen front with: Mary, Ed and Jo at the River Island Hotel at a family reunion in 1998. ©Photograph: John Reidy 30-1-1998

New York Times Style Section

“Such is his renown, the New York Times style section recently ran a piece describing Edward’s own personal style, and the particular way he wears an Ascot tie. Not bad work for a boy from Castleisland, Co Kerry.
“When I tell people at home that I work in Prada, they think it’s a bar,” laughs O’Sullivan, chatting in between clients from New York. “People don’t really understand exactly what I do. I think they think I work in the equivalent of Dunnes for $5 an hour.” It’s understandable, because there is no real equivalent to the New York-style personal shopper here in Ireland,’ he told ‘The Times’ back then.

Artistic Brother
Eddie’s equally talented sister, Mary Owens is a designer on the set of Sesame Street and she recalled her eclectic upbringing on Barrack Street with Eddie as an artistic brother.
“My early days were full of fun and adventure. First in my house with my very creative family, with my brother Ed buying up early fashion magazines from Griffin’s. He was always drawing and designing outfits. His room walls were a shrine with photos of models and pop stars,” Mary told The Maine Valley Post last year.
As The Irish Times report quipped 16 years ago: “Not bad work for a boy from Castleisland, Co Kerry.”

With thanks to Mary Owens in New York and Jill Hannon in Castleisland.

Launching the Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí, Seachtain na Gaeilge programme were: Moira Murrell, Príomh-Fheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí; Cllr. Pat McCarthy, Mayor of Kerry agus Roibeard Ó hEartáin, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí.

Tá clár imeachtaí tugtha le chéile ag Comhairle Contae Chiarraí do Sheachtain na Gaeilge i gCiarraí a bheidh ar siúl ón 1-17 Márta 2016.

Beidh an t-údarás áitiúil ag cur úsáid na Gaeilge chun cinn lena linn mar aon le taispeántaisí, comórtaisí agus imeachtaí pobail-bhunaithe, agus teacht ar na himeachtaí go léir ar an suíomh idirlín Gaeilge do Chiarraí www.eolaire.ie

Le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge cuirfidh Comhairle Contae Chiarraí úsáid na Gaeilge chun cinn leis an mana ‘Labhair Gaeilge Linn – Seachtain na Gaeilge’ ag a gcuid cuntar poiblí mar aon le fheithiclí na Comhairle fud fad an chontae.

Tá tobshlua dhátheangach 20 nóiméad scrite ar an réabhlóid cultúrtha as a dheascair Éirí Amach na Casca 1916, é ullamh don stáitse agus oiriúnach do scoileanna, grúpaí áitiúla drámaíochta agus pobail. Gearr scoraíocht é Tobshlua 1916 bunaithe ar amhráin, óráidí, filíocht agus imeachtaí ón dtréimhse stairiúil sin.

Tá deis iontach ag an lucht gnó i mbliana a bheith páirteach i gcomórtas na bhfuinneog, ‘An Fhuinneog is Gaelaí’ agus duaischiste €1,000, atá á rith i bpáirt le Conradh na Gaeilge, Fóram Gaeilge Chiarraí agus an lucht gnó sa cheithre ceantar bardasach. Ní gá ach grianghraif den bhfuinneog maisithe fé théama Gaeilge agus do shonraí teagmhála a chur ar ríomhphost chugainn ag eolaire@ciarrai.ie

Deir Príomh-Fheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí, Moira Murrell gur chóir Athbheochan na Gaeilge ó thréimhse 1916 a cheiliúradh agus chuige sin tá an Chomhairle ag cur le feasacht agus úsáid na Gaeilge agus ag moladh do gach éinne i gCiarraí páirt a ghlacadh i Seachtain na Gaeilge.

“Mar chuid den ardú feasachta, cífidh an pobal comharthaí ‘Labhair Gaeilge Linn! ar fheithiclí na Comhairle Contae mórthimpeall Chiarraí, ag na cuntair phoiblí in gcuid oifigí agus sna Leabharlanna contae. Molfaimid do gach éinne i gCiarraí a bheith páirteach agus triail a bhaint as focal nó dhó agus iad i mbun gnó”

Tuilleadh eolais: Roibeard Ó hEartáin  066 71 83 532   /  087 79 89 727

 Packed Programme for Seachtain na Gaeilge in Kerry

Kerry County Council has unveiled a packed programme of events and initiatives for Seachtain na Gaeilge which runs from 1 to 17 March 2016.

The local authority is promoting the use of Irish throughout the period and has announced a number of displays, competitions and community-based events, all of which is being promoted through the dedicated Irish website for Kerry, www.eolaire.ie

During Seachtain na Gaeilge, Kerry County Council will be promoting the use of Irish at all of the public counters in its offices around the county and signs have been affixed to a number of council vehicles bearing the message ‘Labhair Gaeilge Linn – Seachtain na Gaeilge.’

A 20-minute bilingual flashmob presentation based on the cultural revolution leading up to 1916 has been composed and is ready-made for performance by schools, local drama societies and community groups. ‘Tobshlua 1916’ is based on orations, songs, and poetry and from the period.

Kerry County Council is also inviting participation in a window display competition, ‘’An Fhuinneog is Gaelaí’ which carries a prize fund of €1,000 and is being run in conjunction with Conradh na Gaeilge, Fóram Gaeilge Chiarraí and the business community in each of the four municipal districts. Window displays on an Irish language theme should be photographed and submitted to the website via eolaire@ciarrai.ie

Kerry County Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell said it is fitting to celebrate the Gaelic Revival that took place in the period leading up to 1916 and so Kerry County Council plans to raise the profile of Irish among the public in Kerry by encouraging everyone to participate in Seachtain na Gaeilge.

“As part of our publicity drive, the public will see ‘Labhair Gaeilge Linn!’ signage on many council vehicles around Kerry and at the public counters at our offices, as well as our libraries. We are urging everyone in the county to get involved and to try a cúpla focail,” said Ms. Murrell.

For more information contact Roibeard Ó hEartáin on 066 71 8 3532  /  087 79 89 727

The late Jim Murphy, Knocknagoshel pictured in the ‘Community Information Office’ at Knocknagoshel Community Centre after he was elected to the chair of the Sliabh Luachra Rural Development Group during the summer of 1999. ©Photograph: John Reidy 26-6-1999

Family and friends of the late Jim Murphy (1942 – 2014) joined with management and staff of Knocknagoshel Sport and Recreational Association Ltd to unveil a plaque in the gymnasium to commemorate the memory of the late Mr. Murphy on the second anniversary of this passing.

The event was held on Sunday, February 21st and Jim’s tireless work on behalf of the project, and others in his native village, was honoured.

Enormous Contribution

“Jim made an enormous contribution and worked tirelessly to provide services in the local area and in particular the facilities at Meenbannivane. He was founder member of Knocknagoshel Sports & Recreation Association Ltd. He was the first company secretary and played a leading role in securing Leader funding which established a Social Economy scheme here. The project is now funded by Pobal under its Community Services Programme employing six staff and a manager,”

according to company chairman, Dan Neligan.

On the gate at the annual at the Knocknagoshel Pattern Day Sports meeting in 2008 were from left: Dave Leahy, Colm Keane, Jim Murphy and Larry Hickey. ©Photograph:
John Reidy 15/8/2008

Glowing Tributes

“Other directors: Larry Keane, Thomas O’Connor and Tom Greaney paid glowing tributes to Jim and recalled how he was always interested in social activities, the G.A.A. and community work. 

“His great work as a director of the Sliabh Luachra Board for many years and was instrumental in securing the necessary state funding for projects in the area.

“He emigrated to Birmingham as a young man. He became the first secretary of the Kingdom Football Club in Birmingham and together with the late Liam Cotter, The Spa, they organised the club and recruited the players, mainly Kerry exiles.

“He came home in 1964 to work in the Ball Bearing Factory in Tralee and spent the remainder of his working life with Borg Warner- Tillotson until his retirement.

“Jim served as correspondent for the popular local magazine, Sliabh Luachra Outlook and arrangement for the distribution of the Saturday issue to the local shops and licensed premises.  He never missed a week during his time with the Outlook.

Community Gym

“His interaction with the management and staff of the community gym was always supportive and positive and he took great pleasure in seeing the membership grow and the staff providing an important service in terms of recreational and healthy activities for the people that use the facilities,” said Mr. Neligan.

The late Jim’s brother, Donal, on behalf of the family, thanked the directors and staff for organising this event as a mark of respect and remembrance to honour the memory and work he did in the locality.

“Jim looking down would be very proud of the excellent achievements of all involved in this project. His work and effort have borne fruit and this fitting plaque will ensure that he will always be remembered for his association with this top class facility in the locality,” said Donal.

He specially thanked Tom Greaney who was a close friend and confidant of Jim’s all through his life; facility manager Kathleen Cremins and staff who were held in high esteem for their great work by Jim.

Listening to the grassroots: Kerry Deputy Michael Healy Rae listening to a supporter at Saturday’s count in Killarney. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Election celebrations are yesterday’s news as far as the Healy Rae camp is concerned. Already, Deputy Michael has set his sights on work to be done on the roads and streets around Listowel.

“During the course of the General Election 2016 campaign it has been highlighted that William Street in Listowel is in absolutely shocking and disgraceful condition,” according to Michael Healy Rae, TD
Now deputy for Kerry and the highest vote catcher in the country, Michael Healy-Rae has been lobbying the Transport Infrastructure Ireland with regard to this matter.

Listowel’s William Street is now in Deputy Michael Healy Rae’s sights. Inset: Former Listowel UDC Mayor Pat Loughnane, during his Fianna Fáil days, is now firmly in the Healy Rae camp. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Healy Rae Camp

Now firmly in the Healy Rae camp, former Fianna Fáil Mayor of Listowel Cllr. Pat Loughnane was a tireless campaigner for better road and street surface conditions for his native town and he now has the ear of Deputy Healy Rae – who has vowed to get stuck into the task of improving surface issues in Listowel and North Kerry in general.

Shocking Condition

“William Street is in shocking condition. During the campaign I spent a lot of time in Listowel and it was one of the main topics, it is in a desperate state and funding will have to be approved as a matter of urgency to carry out the necessary work. The roads in North Kerry in general are actually in a disgraceful and deplorable condition,” he said.

Proper Surfaces

“This is a job of work that I will get really stuck into – to try and improve the situation for the people there.
“People pay enough in tax and every other type of tax and the least they should have is proper surfaces on their roads,” said Deputy (Michael) Healy Rae.

Kerry Hospice Foundation, Good Friday morning volunteers, from left: Catherine Horan, Marian O’Connor and Liz Galwey are looking for buckets of support from walkers, joggers and runners for this year’s March 25th event. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The Castleisland branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation is looking forward to its 17th annual Good Friday fundraising walk on March 25th.
Members are encouraging locals to join in and support this good cause. The walk will take in the usual route which commences at Gael Scoil Aogáin at 11am. From there it will go up past Crag Cave and down Churchtown.
“It will take just an hour of your time and while sponsorship cards are available at Shanahan’s Haven Pharmacy and Phil Horan’s Killarney Road, the option to walk and make a personal donation on the day is very much encouraged and joggers and runners are also welcome,” said branch spokesperson, Liz Galwey.
The funds raised on Good Friday morning will go towards the development of the new in-patient unit on the grounds of the just re-named, Kerry University Hospital.

Charlie Farrelly, Hannah Curtin and Martina O’Mahony on the morning of their departure from Castleisland enroute to Mombasa with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation. ©Photograph: John Reidy 6-2-2016

“What an amazing twelve days we had as volunteers with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation in Kenya in 2016.”

That’s how Tina O’Mahony set out her stall in describing an action packed spell in Mombasa as building volunteers with the charity to which Kilkenny hurling legend, Henry Shefflin has lent his considerable name.

“After months of preparing, reading, fundraising and team building nothing prepares you for your first trip to Kenya. First thing we noticed as we flew into Mombasa airport were the hundreds of shabby wooden shacks and rugged dirt roads and paths and not a green field in sight, we wondered what was in store for us,” said Tina as she settled into her account of the unforgettable experience on which she embarked with her partner, Charlie Farrelly and their friend, Hannah Curtin.

Showing their true colours: Charlie Farrelly (left) with Hannah Curtin, Martina O’Mahony, Sarah Fuller, Dingle  and Robert O’Mahony, Tralee.

“We landed early on Monday morning and after getting visas, grabbing our cases and clearing customs we were greeted by our organiser/founder of the Ray of Sunshine foundation, Olive Halpin who was excited at our arrival and she had arranged for two mini buses to take us to the site which was going to be our place of employment for the next ten days.

Sisters of St. Joseph

“Here we were welcomed by some of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and school children who were all dressed in uniform, some tattered and missing buttons and socks and shoes dusty from the roads. No playground, no toys or electronics by the kid’s just hands out stretched to greet us and smiles on their faces. You could feel the sense of joy and peace when you meet them.

Charile Farrelly pictured with some his new friends in Kenya.

“When we went to our hotel we were invited to an introduction meeting that evening where we were told to be up for work at 4.30am the following morning and be on the bus for 5.30am this was going to be our fate for the next ten days.
“It was still dark when we got to work and some of the locals were there before us. Our work varied from doing water rounds every half hour to painting, gardening, cleaning windows, scrubbing floors, putting up ceilings etc.

Heat Unbearable

“The heat was unbearable even at 6am and the sweat ran off us. Work dropped us exhausted into our beds every night. Breakfast was a small roll with jam and butter and a banana – which we had under a tree on the site. Lunch was in the school hall which consists of egg salad roll and banana plus tea or coffee.
“It was an incredible privilege to work with the sisters of Saint Joseph and to witness the dedication of these wonderful nuns.
“The Sisters work where God’s people mostly need them, upraising them in their spiritual and social quest. Thus the sick, children, women, youth, orphans, HIV/AIDS infected and affected, the down trodden and marginalized all find a special place in their apostolic works.

Love of God and Neighbour

“Whether attending to the sick in the hospital, teaching in a classroom, harvesting in their farms, counselling a street child, or involved in administrative work, they do this for love of God and their neighbour in a world so much in need of an active witness of the love of God.

Hannah Curtin (right) on a tea-break with an un-named colleague on site in Kenya.

“These nuns were so welcoming and helpful to us and in turn took us all to see how the locals lived life in the nearby village; this was a wonderful and tear jerking experience.
“We met with the locals and they were glad of food and a few sweets we shared with them and they thanked us by singing and dancing.
“They radiated joy and happiness; they have a precious gift which consisted of a contagious smile, tightest warmest hugs and their love for God. Their homes were a one room wooden shack with a foam mattress on the floor and all their belongings hanging from the ceiling so vermin etc… wouldn’t get at them.

Letter from Mombasa: The blessing and letter from Fr. Alfonce Malinda presented to Tina, Charlie and Hannah and their fellow volunteers.

No Table or Chairs
“The floor was made of mud. No table or chairs as they all eat on the ground outside the house.
We were very proud to have completed our job in the ten days and were honoured to be there for the official opening of the

rescue centre, which was opened by the Irish ambassador to Kenya, Vincent O Neill.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous support of individuals who made it possible for us to fulfil our trip to

Kenya. We are hugely grateful to the local media who gave us great coverage and never tired of our requests.

“We worked with the nuns who informed us of the most needy and because of the generosity of the people we were able to further our mission and give clothes food etc…to the village people.

Highly Recommend the Experience

“We would highly recommend people to go on a trip like ours as you have not lived until you have experienced that outpouring of love from people that you just met the day before and we hope to spend more time with them in the future.

“As a special thank you we got the local priest to bless you all and he will keep you in his prayers,” – concluded the heartfelt letter from Tina, Charlie and Hannah.

A random sample of how people votes in this general area. The graph showing the runaway pattern of the Healy Rae vote was replicated throughout the new constituency of Kerry. Click on the image to enlarge.

“Poll-topping brothers Michael and Danny Healy Rae of Kerry’s foremost political dynasty will guest on this Friday’s Late Late Show to share their thoughts on who will from the next government,” according to a release from RTÉ.
That will provide an interesting insight into the political thinking behind the major news story of General Election 2016 in Kerry and well beyond.

Tips for Trump

Fionnán Hickey, Kilgarvan signals that all is well with his men at the General Election 2016 count in Killarney on Saturday. ©Photograph: john Reidy

You can see now why Cormac MacConnell suggested that the increasingly embattled US presidential candidate, Donald Trump

might take a tip or two from either of the pair of books on the Healy Rae phenomena by journalist, Donal Hickey.

“They will talk to host Ryan Tubridy about the secret to the campaign success which resulted in the pair being the first brothers elected to the same constituency in the same election,” according to the release.

And…for Golfers….

Mary Devane- Wilson from Dingle was another enthusiastic, cap wearing member of the Healy Rae fanclub at Saturday’s General Election 2016 count in Killarney. ©Photograph: John Reidy

And for golfers on this week’s Late Late Show: A year on from his play-off win at the Honda Classic in Florida, Padraig Harrington talks about the yips and gives a glimpse into his home life. Earlier this week Padraig invited Ryan to spend a few hours in his “man cave” to play pool, have a whirl on the pinball machines and gave Ryan a private lesson in his golf simulator. Ryan’s shot travelled 33 yards whilst Padraig’s hit an impressive 280 yards.
Padraig’s verdict on Ryan’s golfing skills? “At least you hit it – but maybe stick to the night job… and the day job.”
And there’s lots more on tonight’s show. The Late Late Show is on RTÉ One this Friday, March 4 at 9:35pm. To get the full run-down on tonight’s ‘Late Late’ simply click here: http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2016/0303/772440-healy-raes-to-bring-the-kingdom-to-late-late-show/

The Ivy Leaf Art Centre in a rare moment or two of early March sunshine today as it prepares to host the 29th annual Kerry Drama Festival. ©Photograph: John Reidy 4-3-2016

The 2016 Kerry Drama Festival will get under way on this Friday night from 7-30pm. Held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland at the Ivyleaf Art Centre, Castleisland, it will run from tonight up to and including Saturday March 12th. Shows nightly at 8pm. The festival has been held in the Ivyleaf Art Centre since it was revived in 1988.
The event is directed by Jerome Stack who has been giving more of his time this year as retirement is allowing him to. Mayor Bobby O’Connell will officially open the long week with a cúpla focal tonight before the Dalkey Players take to the stage at 8pm with Jane Eyre.
For the history of the building see the plaque in the photograph here. The festival booking number 086 10 54 515

Dalkey Players

Members of the Dalkey Players are thrilled to be back on the full length drama circuit while celebrating their 40th birthday.
Dalkey Players have extensive experience of both the one-act and full length drama circuit. “Reaching the finals in Athlone on many occasions we are very excited to be venturing out again on the full length circuit,” said a spokesperson for the group.
The players are first on stage and have been preparing at the Ivy Leaf Art Centre all afternoon. They will perform Jane Eyre – an adaptation by Polly Teal of the Charlotte Bronte novel.

A little bit of history of the building now known as The Ivy Leaf Art Centre courtesy of local archaeologist, Maggie Prendiville. To read, please Click on the Image.

Jane Eyre
Essentially a love story between Jane and Mr. Rochester. Themes emerging throughout the play consider what is just and unjust; the role women had to take in Victorian society and how an independent mind was considered unacceptable for normal development.
This is an arresting story; a modern take on a classic novel. Dalkey Players depicts the story through physical theatre, with cast members playing multiple roles.
“This version of Jane Eyre is so fresh and astute that it does what even the most faithful literacy adaptation rarely achieves. It is a faithful, psychologically incisive and sexy take on a classic novel,” according to a review in The Independent.

St. Joseph’s Presentation Girls’ Secondary School student, Lorraine Hanrahan whose imaginative photograph has been shortlisted in the Nationwide Press Pass Competition. ©Photograph: John Reidy

St. Joseph’s Presentation Secondary School pupil, Lorraine Hanrahan from Scartaglin has been invited to an awards ceremony in Dublin on Monday, March 14th.
The invitation arose when Lorraine’s artistic eye and photographic skills combined and she entered a photograph she took at home in the Press Pass competition.
Lorraine’s photograph has been shortlisted for the photojournalism section of the competition and she will travel to the Convention Centre in Dublin to attend the awards ceremony.

Mobile Phone Photograph
The selection of her photograph is an acknowledgement of the advance of mobile phone technology. It was this omni-present device with which she composed and took her much admired shot. However, without ability to see the possibility of the picture and the combination of the all important line from the story – it may well have been starved of the light of the creative eye and darkened forever as the words on the pages when the book was closed.
“I have an interest in art and photography so I feel this benefited me when I was in the process of taking my photo,” Lorraine explained.

Lorraine Hanrahan’s Love-Rings photograph which has made it to the final three in Ireland for next week’s Press Pass final announcement in Dublin.

The Best of Me
“The idea behind the picture developed from the book ‘The Best of Me’ by Nicholas Sparks – which is what I was reading at the time.
“It’s a tragic and heart-rending love story about two former high-school loves from two completely different backgrounds, who were forced to leave one another.
“Years later they reunite and realise their love for one another. I feel that this book greatly inspired the idea behind the picture with the book, ring and heart shaped shadow. There was a line in the book ‘He’d never stopped loving her’ and I felt that it fitted perfectly with the concept of the picture.
“The ring that I used in the photo is my mother’s engagement ring and it made a personal link to the photo. To create the unique heart shadow, I experimented with the light from my desk lamp and when it was in the right position, it created the perfect heart shaped shadow on the book,” said Lorraine.
Press Pass – the initiative was launched by NewsBrands Ireland in 2012. It was developed in consultation with the Department of Education and was launched by the then Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD.

News Media Agenda
The 420 schools in Ireland, with participating Transition Year classes, were invited to participate. In the first year, 255 schools signed up, increasing to over 300 schools in its second and third years. To date, almost 50,000 Transition Year students around the country have taken part in the initiative.
It has the potential to improve students’ reading and writing skills while also encouraging them to examine and discuss the events that are shaping the news media agenda.
Outlining the role of the competition in participating schools, Presentation Principal, Katerina Broderick said that it gives students a better understanding of how newspapers work, their role in society and what shapes the news agenda.

Sunday Newspapers
“Through this initiative, we received a selection of daily and Sunday newspapers which the students used during class.
“They also received a Press Pass guidebook, designed to give students a better understanding of how news organisations work by focusing on five main areas:  news, features, comment, photojournalism and sport,” said Ms. Broderick.
Ms. Broderick, along with the management and staff of ‘The Pres’ are delighted for Lorraine and proud of her achievement to date and they wish her well on awards ceremony day in Dublin on Monday week. Lorraine is daughter of Moss and Sheila Hanrahan of Scartaglin and, most definately, of the historic, West Limerick town of Glin.

See your future more clearly with one of the many courses on offer at the Kerry College of Further Education Open Day on this Wednesday, March 9th from 11am to 7pm. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Open Day Well Worth A Visit

Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE), which operates under the auspices of Kerry ETB, specialise in the provision of quality assured further education courses, otherwise known as PLC courses, offering certification at Level 5 and Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications for adults and school leavers.

The courses include: medical secretarial, legal secretarial, office administration, business, pre-university law, security studies, social studies, sports therapy, pre-nursing, engineering, furniture making, childcare, veterinary assistant, software development and many more. In fact there are over 40 courses on offer.

Specific Skills

The courses at KCFE are designed to prepare students for work by giving them specific skills and training which enable them to find employment in a variety of career areas. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The courses at KCFE are designed to prepare students for work by giving them specific skills and training which enable them to find employment in a variety of career areas. The college has an excellent work experience programme and this often results as well in students being offered employment. The PLC also acts as a stepping-stone to other third level qualifications at ITs and Universities.

The college is holding an Open Day on Wednesday 9th March from 11am-7pm at its college campus in Clash, Tralee. School leavers, their parents/guardians as well as those mature people who are considering a return to education/training in order to gain a recognised qualification are welcome to pop in on the day.

Click on the Image here for more information on the KCFE Open Day.

Third Level Grants

Two representatives from SUSI, the third level grants body, will be available in the college as well as a representative from the Department of Social Protection who can advise on a one to one basis about the Back to Education Allowance and any entitlement questions which people may have.

The application system for those wishing to secure an interview for a place at the college is now open online at www.kerryfe.ie and any queries regarding the Open Day or any aspect of what the college offers can be directed to the college office on 066 71 21 741.

Click on the image here for more on ‘The Mad Ones’

It used to be unethical, bad mannered and often downright dangerous to announce, mutter or even let slip a lady’s age. Now, baloons, banners and bunting shamelessly scream it from all corners of the party room and from Facebook pages.
So, Joanne Walmsley celebrated her …….. – there I just can’t do it. Look at the balloons yourself and you’ll see the youthful and talented Joanne is ……..
Anyway, Joanne and her daughter, Labhaoise and sisters: Tara, Noreen and Michelle celebrated in great style at friend, Sandra O’Connor’s house here in Castleisland before boarding a bus for Killarney.
Off they went, all kitted out or dressed to kill in their Mad Ones mix and match outfits.
In Killarney, they continued to mark the special event in several venues until ‘late’ as they say on all these great occasions.
Today is a day of recovery for the travelling party. So, along with belated Happy…. Birthday wishes to Joanne we can only hope that they take a leaf from the FG election handbook and Keep the Recovery Going.

Éamonn Ó Braoin – Cúpla Focal agus Cupán Tae.

Tá an grúpa ‘Cúpla Focal agus Cupán Tae’ ag eagrú oíche shóisialta agus teacht le chéile in Ionad Spóirt na Ríochta Dé Máirt seo chugainn 8ú lá Márta 2016 ar leath uair tar éis a seacht , ó 7.30 go 9.30 i.n.
Beidh amhránaíocht, ceol agus comhrá ann chomh maith le sólaistí, cupán tae agus caife. Bígí ann agus tá fáilte romhaibh go léir. Tá an ocáid eagraithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge.

Singing, Music and Conversation
The Irish language group ‘Cúpla Focal agus Cupán Tae’ has organised a social occasion on this Tuesday evening the 8th March 2016 in the Ríocht Sports Centre from 7.30 to 9.30
The evening, to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge, will consist of singing, music and conversation and everybody is welcome whether you have a Cúpla Focal or none.

Castleisland Boys’ National School All-Ireland silver medal winning badminton team: of: Peter Burke, Micheál O’Shea, Patrick Roche, Jack McGovern and Ayrton Burke with coach and teacher Niamh Burke inset.

There was great excitement at Castleisland Boys’ National School recently when word filtered through from Dublin that the school’s badminton team, coached expertly by Mrs. Niamh Burke, had reached the final of the All-Ireland Primary Schools Competition.
The team, consisting of: Peter Burke, Micheál O’Shea, Patrick Roche, Jack McGovern and Ayrton Burke had won all their games in the preliminary rounds and they now faced Banteer, coached, ironically, by Niamh’s mother, in the final.

In a thrilling match, the Castleisland boys just lost out with a score of 21-19, 21-18.
“We were all so proud on the following day when the lads arrived with their silver medals.
Congratulations to Mrs. Burke and the team and we’ll look forward to next year,” said Principal, Denis Griffin.

The late Edward ‘Eamon’ Curtin.

The death has occurred of Edward Curtin, Carrigcannon, Lyreacrompane, Duagh.

Edward died unexpectedly on the 5th of March, 2016.

Deeply regretted by his loving mother Bridie, father Eamon (Snr), sister Rose Marie, aunts and uncles, relatives, neighbours, and friends.

May he Rest in Peace

Reposing at Lyons’ Funeral Home, Derry, Listowel on Tuesday, the 8th of March from 6pm to 8pm with removal at 8pm to the Sacred Heart Church, Lyreacrompane.

Requiem Mass on Wednesday, the 9th of March at 11am followed by burial in the new cemetery, Lyreacrompane.

Date Published: Monday 7th March 2016. Date of Death: Saturday 5th March 2016.