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Killarney is celebrating after Autism Friendly Killarney received national recognition at the As I Am Ireland Awards, taking home the Inclusive Events Award at a ceremony held in Dublin’s City Hall on Saturday night.
The award marks a major achievement for the group, which has spent the past three years working to make events across Killarney more…
The award marks a major achievement for the group, which has spent the past three years working to make events across Killarney more…
- Community Spirit
The countdown is officially on for one of Kerry’s most anticipated business events of the year as the 10th Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards takes place on Friday, 5th June at The Rose Hotel, Tralee.
Celebrating a decade of recognising excellence, ambition and innovation, the glittering awards evening will honour the outstanding achievements of women in business across Kerry’s thriving commercial landscape.
From education and innovation to family business, corporate leadership and SMEs, the awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional female talent driving the county forward across every sector.
The prestigious Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented on the night, recognising one remarkable businesswoman whose career has demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience and ingenuity over many years.
Guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening beginning with a “bubbles” reception at 7pm, followed by a sumptuous banquet, the awards ceremony itself, and a lively raffle in aid of a local charity.
Event organiser Margaret Kissane said: “Reaching our 10th anniversary is a tremendous milestone and a testament to the incredible calibre of women in business throughout Kerry.
“We are delighted to celebrate the nominees and finalists who continue to inspire through their innovation, determination and success.
“I would also like to sincerely thank our judges and our esteemed judging panel, along with our generous sponsors whose support has made this very special event possible.
“With tickets almost sold out already, we are looking forward to a fantastic night of celebration, networking and recognition.”
Special thanks were extended to the judging panel of Cora Creed of Universal Music, Dan O'Donoghue, Author of “Self-Employed, the Forgotten Community” and Ciara O’Donnell of the Kerry Business Women’s Network for their time and expertise in selecting this year’s award winners.
With excitement building and demand at an all-time high, organisers are encouraging anyone wishing to attend to secure their place quickly.
The event will be co-hosted by John Drummey with some tickets available from margaret@connectpublications.ie.
The 10th Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards promises to be a spectacular celebration of achievement, empowerment and community spirit - honouring the very best of female entrepreneurship and leadership in the Kingdom.
Celebrating a decade of recognising excellence, ambition and innovation, the glittering awards evening will honour the outstanding achievements of women in business across Kerry’s thriving commercial landscape.
From education and innovation to family business, corporate leadership and SMEs, the awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional female talent driving the county forward across every sector.
The prestigious Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented on the night, recognising one remarkable businesswoman whose career has demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience and ingenuity over many years.
Guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening beginning with a “bubbles” reception at 7pm, followed by a sumptuous banquet, the awards ceremony itself, and a lively raffle in aid of a local charity.
Event organiser Margaret Kissane said: “Reaching our 10th anniversary is a tremendous milestone and a testament to the incredible calibre of women in business throughout Kerry.
“We are delighted to celebrate the nominees and finalists who continue to inspire through their innovation, determination and success.
“I would also like to sincerely thank our judges and our esteemed judging panel, along with our generous sponsors whose support has made this very special event possible.
“With tickets almost sold out already, we are looking forward to a fantastic night of celebration, networking and recognition.”
Special thanks were extended to the judging panel of Cora Creed of Universal Music, Dan O'Donoghue, Author of “Self-Employed, the Forgotten Community” and Ciara O’Donnell of the Kerry Business Women’s Network for their time and expertise in selecting this year’s award winners.
With excitement building and demand at an all-time high, organisers are encouraging anyone wishing to attend to secure their place quickly.
The event will be co-hosted by John Drummey with some tickets available from margaret@connectpublications.ie.
The 10th Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards promises to be a spectacular celebration of achievement, empowerment and community spirit - honouring the very best of female entrepreneurship and leadership in the Kingdom.
- Training and Development
Lego Serious Play is quickly becoming very popular in companies as another approach to meetings, discussions and facilitation sessions.
This is a two-day dual certification programme and is suited to those working across corporate organisations and SMEs who are ready to move beyond repetitive meetings, surface-level discussions, and dominant voices, and who want to confidently facilitate creative thinking using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method.
Dual Facilitation Certification – Lego Serious Play Method and Focused Conversation Method
Dates: Thursday 4th & Friday 5th June
Times: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: RDI Hub, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
Investment: €1750pp reduced to €1,225 with funding from South West Gnó Skillnet
Miriam O’Donoghue is an international facilitator and trainer, with over 40 years’ experience, licensed to deliver and certify both LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (The LSP Method) as an expert trainer and Group Facilitation Methods (ICA:UK) as a lead trainer. She is currently the only trainer globally combining both certifications into one integrated course and the only licensed ICA:UK trainer in Ireland. She is really excellent at what she does and we’re delighted to have secured dates with her to deliver this training in Kerry. Find out mor here: https://www.southwestgnoskillnet.ie/
This is a two-day dual certification programme and is suited to those working across corporate organisations and SMEs who are ready to move beyond repetitive meetings, surface-level discussions, and dominant voices, and who want to confidently facilitate creative thinking using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method.
Dual Facilitation Certification – Lego Serious Play Method and Focused Conversation Method
Dates: Thursday 4th & Friday 5th June
Times: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: RDI Hub, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
Investment: €1750pp reduced to €1,225 with funding from South West Gnó Skillnet
Miriam O’Donoghue is an international facilitator and trainer, with over 40 years’ experience, licensed to deliver and certify both LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (The LSP Method) as an expert trainer and Group Facilitation Methods (ICA:UK) as a lead trainer. She is currently the only trainer globally combining both certifications into one integrated course and the only licensed ICA:UK trainer in Ireland. She is really excellent at what she does and we’re delighted to have secured dates with her to deliver this training in Kerry. Find out mor here: https://www.southwestgnoskillnet.ie/
- Business
Kerry Airport Appoints Adrian Neilan as Chief Executive Officer
KERRY Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Neilan as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking up the position next month (May).
Adrian assumes the role following a record-breaking year in 2025 with over 440,000 passengers, the highest in its history, travelling through the airport.
A native of Ardfert, Co. Kerry, he returns home to the Kingdom with a deep personal connection and a strong professional track record spanning more than two decades.
Adrian Neilan is widely recognised as a resilient and results-driven executive with vast experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering strategy and guiding organisations through transformation and innovation.
He was educated at Trinity College Dublin where he graduated with a BA, BAI Engineering followed by an MSC Computer Science, also from Trinity, later adding an MBA from Dublin City University.
This background, coupled with Adrian’s business acumen and expertise should benefit Kerry Airport Airports in its drive for new routes.
Announcing the appointment, the Chairman of Kerry Airport Plc, Denis Cregan, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Adrian back to Kerry in this important leadership role. He brings not only exceptional professional expertise but also a genuine understanding of the region and its potential.
“Adrian’s breadth of experience and strategic insight make him ideally positioned to lead Kerry Airport into its next phase of growth and development, and on behalf of the Board, I wish him every success in the role.”
Adrian Neilan has a proven history of leading finance, operations, cybersecurity/digital transformation, and HR.
Speaking on his appointment, he said,
“I am incredibly proud to be the next CEO at Kerry Airport in my home county. I have a deep appreciation for the airport’s essential place in supporting the local economy and sustaining connectivity across the region.
“My appointment comes at a pivotal time, with a mandate to drive continued growth through the development of new routes and to further secure Kerry Airport’s role as a critical piece of infrastructure supporting future development.
“I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to build on Kerry Airport’s strong foundations and to support its continued growth and success.”
From May, Adrian will lead the airport into its next phase of development, building on its strong foundations while advancing connectivity and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
KERRY Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Neilan as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking up the position next month (May).
Adrian assumes the role following a record-breaking year in 2025 with over 440,000 passengers, the highest in its history, travelling through the airport.
A native of Ardfert, Co. Kerry, he returns home to the Kingdom with a deep personal connection and a strong professional track record spanning more than two decades.
Adrian Neilan is widely recognised as a resilient and results-driven executive with vast experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering strategy and guiding organisations through transformation and innovation.
He was educated at Trinity College Dublin where he graduated with a BA, BAI Engineering followed by an MSC Computer Science, also from Trinity, later adding an MBA from Dublin City University.
This background, coupled with Adrian’s business acumen and expertise should benefit Kerry Airport Airports in its drive for new routes.
Announcing the appointment, the Chairman of Kerry Airport Plc, Denis Cregan, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Adrian back to Kerry in this important leadership role. He brings not only exceptional professional expertise but also a genuine understanding of the region and its potential.
“Adrian’s breadth of experience and strategic insight make him ideally positioned to lead Kerry Airport into its next phase of growth and development, and on behalf of the Board, I wish him every success in the role.”
Adrian Neilan has a proven history of leading finance, operations, cybersecurity/digital transformation, and HR.
Speaking on his appointment, he said,
“I am incredibly proud to be the next CEO at Kerry Airport in my home county. I have a deep appreciation for the airport’s essential place in supporting the local economy and sustaining connectivity across the region.
“My appointment comes at a pivotal time, with a mandate to drive continued growth through the development of new routes and to further secure Kerry Airport’s role as a critical piece of infrastructure supporting future development.
“I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to build on Kerry Airport’s strong foundations and to support its continued growth and success.”
From May, Adrian will lead the airport into its next phase of development, building on its strong foundations while advancing connectivity and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
- Training and Development
April was a fantastic month of learning and development for our members, as Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, in partnership with South West Gnó Skillnet, delivered a series of insightful and practical training sessions.
Throughout the month, members had the opportunity to take part in courses such as Canva for Social Media and Instagram for Business, designed to help businesses strengthen their digital marketing skills and online presence.
Attendees greatly appreciated the interactive nature of the training sessions and came away with valuable tips, tricks, and practical advice from highly experienced trainers. The feedback was extremely positive, with many participants highlighting how useful the sessions were for their day-to-day business activities.
We’re delighted to continue providing valuable learning opportunities for our members and hope to offer similar training sessions in the future.
If there are any topics or training opportunities you’d like to see us explore, please get in touch - we’d be happy to hear your ideas
Throughout the month, members had the opportunity to take part in courses such as Canva for Social Media and Instagram for Business, designed to help businesses strengthen their digital marketing skills and online presence.
Attendees greatly appreciated the interactive nature of the training sessions and came away with valuable tips, tricks, and practical advice from highly experienced trainers. The feedback was extremely positive, with many participants highlighting how useful the sessions were for their day-to-day business activities.
We’re delighted to continue providing valuable learning opportunities for our members and hope to offer similar training sessions in the future.
If there are any topics or training opportunities you’d like to see us explore, please get in touch - we’d be happy to hear your ideas
- Community Spirit
Killarney enjoyed outstanding success at the 2026 Gold Medal Awards for Hotels Ireland, held on 27 January 2026, with a strong showing from local businesses who are members of the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce
- Community Spirit
Jessie Buckley wins an Oscar!