Hospice Branch Preparing for annual Good Friday Morning Charity Walk

Hospice Branch Preparing for annual Good Friday Morning Charity Walk

The Castleisland branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation is preparing for its annual Good Friday walk. The walk will, as it has in recent years, commence and finish at the library car park b eside the entrance to the library and civic offices. Walkers are asked to gather in the library car park near the…

Sadness and Shock in Castleisland as Nana Bea’s Announces Closure

Sadness and Shock in Castleisland as Nana Bea’s Announces Closure

After the euphoria of yesterday’s record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Castleisland comes the saddening and shocking news that one of the town’s leading, pioneering and respected family businesses, Nana Bea’s Restaurant is to close its doors permanently today. The alarming announcement that yet another local business is to close its doors in the town…

Caring for Well-being Course on Offer at Castleisland Family Resource Centre

Caring for Well-being Course on Offer at Castleisland Family Resource Centre

The Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) Caring for our Well-being course is being offered at Castleisland Family Resource Centre (FRC) starting on Wednesday, April 10th. from 7pm to 9:30pm and will run for eight weeks. This is a short course run over eight weeks, which uses an experiential group work approach and will take…

A Celebration of Spring in Music and Song for Castleisland Day Care Centre

A Celebration of Spring in Music and Song for Castleisland Day Care Centre

Kerry Choral Union will present a Celebration of Spring concert with guests: the German Plucked String Orchestra Differter Saitenspielkreis and Ailish Walsh and the choirs of Presentation Castleisland Secondary School and the Castleisland community. The concert will be held in the Church of Saints Stephen and John on Wednesday, April 3rd at 8pm. Tickets are…

Over €3.9m for Kerry Projects Under 2024 Community Recognition Fund 

Over €3.9m for Kerry Projects Under 2024 Community Recognition Fund 

Minister for Education and Kerry T.D, Norma Foley, has welcomed €3,946,095 in funding for Kerry County Council under the Community Recognition Fund 2024. The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50…

Registration Open Now for Kerry’s Annual County Clean Up

Registration Open Now for Kerry’s Annual County Clean Up

The 12th annual County Clean Up will take place across the county on Saturday, April 6th and voluntary organisations and individuals across Kerry are invited to get involved in one of the biggest community events of the year in the county. The County Clean-Up takes place with the support of KWD Recycling and Kerry County…

Spring Darts League Ready to Launch on March 22nd.

Spring Darts League Ready to Launch on March 22nd.

Dart players from this and neighbouring parishes will be delighted to know that they will have the opportunity to play their sport in a competitive environment in the Castleisland area from next week on. Run in a league format it will be played over 12 weeks starting on March 22nd in Browne’s Bar. “For this…

The Late Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Breen, Farranabrack, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

The Late Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Breen, Farranabrack, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

The death has occurred of Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Breen, late of Farranabrack, Castleisland, Co. Kerry and London. Peacefully on February 16th 2024. Predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen, nee Hickey, his son-in-law Jamie Ball, his parents Jeremiah and Mary Ann Breen, Farranabrack, his sister Mary Mason nee Breen and his brothers-in-law Kevin Mason, Limerick and Adrian…

Bannalec and Castleisland Twinning Association AGM on Friday Evening at 7:30pm

Bannalec and Castleisland Twinning Association AGM on Friday Evening at 7:30pm

The annual general meeting of the twinning of Bannalec and Castleisland will take place on this Friday evening, March 15th at 7.30pm in the River Island Hotel. The twinning of these two market towns in Brittany and South West Ireland respectively has been active for almost 20 years. However, like most things, the twinning exchanges…

Hospice Fund Chairman Praises Oorla’s Legacy to Kerry as a Benefit to the Future

Hospice Fund Chairman Praises Oorla’s Legacy to Kerry as a Benefit to the Future

Chairman of fundraising for the Kerry Hospice Foundation, Jack Shanahan accepted a remarkable donation of €30,360 from the family of the late Oorla Casey at a specially convened and simple presentation ceremony in Castleisland on Sunday. Mr. Shanahan thanked the family for their decision to commemorate Oorla in an accomplishment that very much reflected the…

Canvassing and Political Leaflet Distribution Ban for Castleisland on St. Patrick’s Day

Canvassing and Political Leaflet Distribution Ban for Castleisland on St. Patrick’s Day

Dedication to the cause of St. Patrick and to his feast day has never been in question since the late Helen Hussey-Leane put the first parading boots on the ground in Castleisland in 1989. The tradition is still in the full of its health and, a solid week before the 2024 parade, members of the…

Seachtain na Gaeilge san Óstán River Island Dé Sathairn Seo Chugainn

Seachtain na Gaeilge san Óstán River Island Dé Sathairn Seo Chugainn

Mar is gnáth beidh ócáid i gcomhair Sheachtain na Gaeige in Oileán Chiarraí Dé Sathairn seo chugainn 16-3-2024 san Óstán River Island ag tosnú ag a seacht a chlog 7 i.n. Tá an ócáid eagraithe ag an ngrúpa ‘Cúpla focal agus cupán tae’ atá clárithe le Conradh na Gaeilge agus beidh caint, comhrá, ceol, amhránaíocht…

Daffodil Day Donors and Volunteers Lining up for March 22nd

Daffodil Day Donors and Volunteers Lining up for March 22nd

Daffodil Day 2024 will be held on Friday, March 22nd and donors and volunteers are in demand again for this very important event. “Your support will help transform the lives of families affected by cancer in your locality,” said Castleisland organiser, Marie Walsh. “You’re helping to provide a support line, free counselling, lifts to treatment,…

Fairtrade Bake Off at Castleisland Community College

Fairtrade Bake Off at Castleisland Community College

Castleisland Community College held its annual Fairtrade Bake Off Competition recently. The competition is a yearly event in the school and is open to all students in the school not just those who study Home Economics. A Fairtrade product had to be used thus creating awareness of ethical consumption. Dan Browne, Culinary Arts Lecturer at…

Cordal Community Resource Centre and River Island Hotel Cards Results

Cordal Community Resource Centre Cards Results The following are the results from the card game at Cordal Community Resource Centre on Wednesday night. First: Margaret and Andy O Connor, Tom Brennan and Jerry O’Donoghue, Patrick O’Donoghue and Mike Leahy, Martina O’Donoghue and John O’Connell. Ladies. Dolly McAuliffe and Norrie O’ Connor. Gents: Mike and Denis…

Sister Art Wins on the Double for Loughfouder N.S. Pupils

Sister Art Wins on the Double for Loughfouder N.S. Pupils

Loughfouder National School pupils, Emma and Lauren Long from Knocknagoshel are being congratulated as overall national winners of the ESB Stay Safe Stay Clear Poster Competition. The competition helps children to learn about electricity and how to stay safe around it. Emma, who is in fifth class, drew a picture with the slogan ‘Never fly…

The Late Richard ‘Dick the Singer’ O’Brien, Castleisland and Tralee

The Late Richard ‘Dick the Singer’ O’Brien, Castleisland and Tralee

The death has occurred of Richard ‘Dick the Singer’ O’Brien of Rathass Site, Tralee and formerly Creamery Lane / Convent Street, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Richard died on March 8th 2024. Beloved father of Richard, Michael, Patrick, John, Christopher, Margaret and Stephanie and dear brother of Margaret, John, Jim and the late Mikey Pa. Sadly missed…

Padre Pio Monthly Devotions Night to Hear of Mental Health Journey

Padre Pio Monthly Devotions Night to Hear of Mental Health Journey

The monthly Padre Pio Devotions in Castleisland have been moved to the second Tuesday of each month and the next one will be held tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 12th at 7:30pm. The ‘witness’ is one of the important aspects of the night’s proceedings and South Kerry man, John Sheehan will speak openly – as people…

Former Winner Joanne presents Sinéad and Aoibheann With €700 Split Winnings

Former Winner Joanne presents Sinéad and Aoibheann With €700 Split Winnings

Last week’s Castleisland RFC Split the Bucket winner, Sinéad Joy and her daughter Aoibheann collected her winnings of €700  at Nana Beas from previous winner Joanne Nelligan. This week’s draw was held in Scartaglin in Fleming’s Bar. Draw host Adian Collins did the honours and he picked out Aisling O’Connell from Scart for a €705…

Hope and Expectation of Good News on Poff and Barrett Pardons

Hope and Expectation of Good News on Poff and Barrett Pardons

Recent discussions with Brendan Griffin TD, regarding the application by Castleisland District Heritage for the Posthumous Presidential Pardons of Sylvester Poff and James Barrett have led to hopes of a favourable outcome in the near future. Castleisland District Heritage is very grateful to Mr. Griffin who has been monitoring the progress of the application and…

For the Big ‘Old Enemy’ Rugby Day That’s In It

For the Big ‘Old Enemy’ Rugby Day That’s In It

Former Irish Rugb International and Munster rugby coach Noel Murphy’s advice to Moss Keane, before an important game, summed up the strength of the Currow native and how important he was to the Munster and Irish teams he played on: “Moss just go out and cause mayhem. Disrupt their lineout. Stop them getting quick ball.…

An Ríocht AC 50/50 Cheques Awaiting Brosna and Knocknagoshel Winners

An Ríocht AC 50/50 Cheques Awaiting Brosna and Knocknagoshel Winners

An Ríocht Athletic Club held its weekly fundraising draw at Philip Horan’s Killarney Road filling station and shop earlier Friday evening. Last week’s winner of €530, Maurice Browne of Brosna was not available at the time of the draw and arrangements are being made to unite him with his winnings as soon as possible. The…

Budding Film Makers Putting Themselves in the Picture at St Patrick’s Secondary School

Budding Film Makers Putting Themselves in the Picture at St Patrick’s Secondary School

The Transition Year students in St. Patrick’s Secondary School are taking part in this year’s Rubbish Film Festival. This is a national competition which is funded by the local County Council Environment Department. As part of this competition students get the opportunity to engage in a two-day workshop with an experienced film tutor. Digital Skills…

The Late Tadhg Quinn, a Defence Forces Veteran and Siege of Jadotville Hero

The Late Tadhg Quinn, a Defence Forces Veteran and Siege of Jadotville Hero

February 28th 2024 saw the passing of Tadhg Quinn, a Defence Forces veteran and Siege of Jadotville hero. Tadhg lived at Purt Yard, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick he passed away peacefully at home, following a brief illness, and in the care of his loving wife and family. By John Wade Tadgh served in An Céad Cathlán…

On this Date in 1948 The Astor Cinema and Ballroom Opened in Castleisland

On this Date in 1948 The Astor Cinema and Ballroom Opened in Castleisland

Cinema projectionist, Jamesie O’Callaghan could well have been the first man in Castleisland to impart an item of fake news – long, long before it became known as such. One night while showing a film at The Astor Cinema and Ballroom, Jamesie had to think on his feet when the film on the reels jumped…

Colleen Answers AIB’s and Castleisland’s Call to the Top Post

Colleen Answers AIB’s and Castleisland’s Call to the Top Post

A former Kerry Rose, Boolteens, Keel, Castlemaine native and now Killarney resident, Colleen Shannon has been appointed to the position of branch manager at the AIB in Castleisland. Colleen joined AIB in 2006 and, in the past 18 years, she has worked in Killorglin, Tralee, Killarney, Kenmare and Listowel. She was appointed branch manager in…

Brosna Publican in European Title Winning Irish Pool Team

Brosna Publican in European Title Winning Irish Pool Team

Brosna publican Mike Moriarty was part of the Irish team which captured the European Over 50s A Pool Team in Killarney recently. The team went into a 4-1 lead against the Northern Ireland A team in the final. They, notably, were the only ones to beat them in the group stages having won seven of…

Cordal Community Resource Centre and River Island Hotel Cards Results

Cordal Community Resource Centre and River Island Hotel Cards Results

Cards Results from the Weekly Wednesday Night Games at Cordal Community Resource Centre The following are the results from the card games at Cordal Community Resource Centre on Wednesday night. First: Paul and Joe Geaney, John O Sullivan and Seamus McKenna. Second: Mike and Jimmy Kearney. Ladies: Martina O’Donoghue and Noreen Reidy. Gents:Connie Keane and…

A Fond Grand-Daughter’s Eulogy for Sonny

A Fond Grand-Daughter’s Eulogy for Sonny

On his month’s mind we remember the late Patrick ‘Sonny’ O’Reilly through the fond memories of his grand-daughter Carol Lane. Carol received a resounding round of applause when she delivered the eulogy with great clarity and assurance at Sonny’s funeral Mass this time last month. She titled her tribute to her grand-dad simply and without…