What happened in Kerry this week
A wooden hobby horse believed to be over 130 years old has been pulled out of storage and restored to its former glory - and will feature in the Ballyheigue St Patrick’s Day parade.
Founding member of Kingdom Pickleball Club, Debbie Quirke, who has made an extraordinary and transformative contribution to the growth of pickleball in Kerry, has been duly rewarded with a prestigious national Volunteers in Sport Award.
Fuel prices have spiralled in filling stations around the county this week - and motorists are certainly feeling the pinch at the pumps as the conflict in the Middle East continues to cause havoc worldwide.
This week, as one of Killarney’s brightest stars heads to Los Angeles for the Oscars, another of the town’s celebrated figures briefly vanished from view — the Michael Fassbender mural painted by artist Paul Egan has now been found, but questions remain over how and why it was moved.
Last Tuesday night saw the fourth last of the monthly devotions to Saint Padre Pio in Castleisland’s Church of St Stephen and St John where GAA legend Mickey Harte addressed the large congregation - and beloved parish priest Fr Mossie Brick began reflecting on life after retirement
A Tralee actor who first spoke about his role in the independent film ‘Crazy Love’ four years ago has finally seen the project reach cinema audiences after a long journey to the screen.
The spectacular home of Dooks couple Toni and Fionán Walsh featured on national television this week as a showcase property on RTE’s hit show ‘Home of the Year’.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
School backs ex-pupil for Oscar history
It’s not every school that can say a former pupil is on track to win an Oscar - but Loreto National School in Killarney now has that claim to fame.
As Jessie Buckley preps for the Oscars ceremony this Sunday in LA, closer to home her former primary school is sharing what it means to them to see her star rising to such heights.
Over the past number of weeks, pupils have been creating posters, doing interviews and videos for national media and sharing their reactions to Jessie’s success.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Green tide sweeps the Kingdom
Towns and villages across Kerry are turning green as communities prepare for a packed programme of St Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations on Tuesday, March 17.
From early morning traditions in Dingle to afternoon and evening parades across North, South and East Kerry, dozens of communities are now preparing floats, music and performances for one of the busiest days in the county calendar.
In Tralee, the town parade will get underway at 12 noon under this year’s theme ‘Tralee Shining Bright’, which will celebrate the achievements of people and organisations across the county capital over the past year.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
National award for pickleball club founder
FOUNDING member of Kingdom Pickleball Club, Debbie Quirke, who has made an extraordinary and transformative contribution to the growth of pickleball in Kerry, has been duly rewarded with a prestigious national Volunteers in Sport Award.
Synonymous with the innovative new sport, which combines table tennis and badminton, Debbie, an avid pickleball player herself, was recognised for her dedication to growing the sport around the county and the positive impact her selfless volunteerism has had on many people throughout the Kingdom.
Her pioneering work began by promoting pickleball as an accessible and inclusive sport to Active Retired groups in the county.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
‘We’re in Home of the Year final!’
DOOKS couple Toni and Fionán Walsh and their son Noah, and family tuned into one of their favourite television shows on Tuesday evening, ‘Home of the Year’, as they do every year.
But this year the family gathering was different and more captivating than ever - because the Mid Kerry haven they built from scratch featured on episode two of the RTÉ One series and has made it through to the Grand Final next month.
Built in 2023, Toni and Fionán’s home on Dooks Mountain between Glenbeigh and Cromane is their pride and joy. The couple poured hours of work into creating a home that acts as a hub for their family and loved ones.
“It is still surreal,” Toni told Kerry’s Eye. “We still think, ‘How on earth did our home get on this programme?’.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Over 1,000 attend Padre Pio devotion
The monthly devotions to Saint Padre Pio in Castleisland hold a special place in the heart of Fr Mossie Brick, but as he prepares to retire from parish life the final gatherings are even more sacred.
Last Tuesday night saw the fourth last of the popular prayer evenings take place at the Church of St Stephen and St John where All-Ireland winning Tyrone manager Mickey Harte addressed the large congregation.
The former Tyrone manager returned to Kerry to share his story of faith and prayer with those attending the devotions, which have become a regular fixture in the parish calendar.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Call to climb Carrauntoohil for Lily Anna
There is nothing more difficult than navigating the grief after losing a child - but Tralee mother Lorraine Sebestova wants to do something to make life better for other families by climbing ‘Carrauntoohil for cancer’ this May.
With the help of her fitness coach, John Paul O’Connor, Lorraine who lost her 10-year-old daughter Lily Anna on November 15, 2024, aims to climb Ireland’s highest peak to raise vital funds for two local cancer causes.
Lily was loved by all who knew her and everyone knew how bravely she bore her cancer battle. Lorraine has spoken out many times about how difficult it was at times, facing long journeys to Dublin for cancer treatment for Lily, who was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer around the time of her seventh birthday.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
