Par trees
Thousands of euro will be spent restoring the two championship courses at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club which were relentlessly battered during Storm Darwin with devastating results.
Violent gusts changed the face of the landmark club (pictured) with close on 100 trees, including several that had been standing for over a century, whipped up from their roots and dumped on the fairways.
Club maintenance staff were shocked by the devastation they encountered and the storm left a costly trail of destruction in its wake.
A total of 96 trees were uprooted and staff, under the direction of agronomic supervisor Enda Murphy, had to undertake a massive clean-up operation throughout the course.
In a determined bid to restore the visual attractions of the Killeen and Mahony’s Point courses, a major replanting operation has now commenced with well over 70 trees replaced in recent weeks.
Although the vast majority of the new additions will take considerable time to develop, a number of mature trees have also been added to ensure both courses are looking good for the busy summer season.
Calling card
One Kerry County Council candidate has made good use of his official election literature by including dozens of useful quick reference telephone numbers for the public to retain.
Cllr Donal Grady, an independent candidate in the Killarney electoral area, lists contact details for local emergency services, support organisations, local authority offices, charities and family help agencies on the flip side of his promotional cards which have been popping through letterboxes throughout the constituency.
He opted to include that practical information rather than publish a list of his achievements and the only promise he makes on his card is that he will work hard for the people.
Maria’s honour
Legion GAA club will honour its great achievers of the year at its annual gala awards ceremony to be held in the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Saturday, April 19.
The coveted club person of the year award will go to the hugely dedicated Maria O’Sullivan while the long-serving Jimmy O’Leary will be inducted into the club’s hall of fame.
A special achievement award will be presented to Gold Cup legend Jim Culloty from Lewis Road to mark his incredible achievements as a jockey and trainer.
Player of the year awards will go to Podge O’Connor (senior); Selina Looney (ladies); Tim O’Regan (junior) and Jack O’Neill (youth).
Barbecue fun
Muckross Rowing Club is to host a fun-filled barbecue with lively entertainment to raise funds to purchase important equipment for its juvenile crews.
The event will take place at the Muckross Park Hotel on Sunday, May 11 from 2pm to 6pm and tickets are priced at €15 for adults, €10 for under 18s and €50 for families.
In addition to barbecue food, there will be live music and outdoor fun and games for younger children.
Tickets will be available from club members.
Lodge reopens
The Deenagh Lodge tearooms, operated by Down Syndrome Kerry for a number of years, has just reopened for the 2014 season.
A hugely popular port of call for locals and visitors, the thatched roof facility is located just inside the entrance gate of Killarney National Park, at Knockreer.
The café will continue to operate throughout the summer season and will remain open until October.
