The Dingle News has moved home!

For all the latest news, views, gig guide, events, classifieds and holiday information from the Dingle Peninsula visit the new Dingle News website at www.dinglenews.com

Dingle Film Festival; 10th-13th of September

The Dingle Film Festival Programme is now available at www.dinglefilmfestival.com; this means you can now book in advance for any feature, workshop, club or festival pass...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com.

Munster RFC to compete in Ballydavid this Thursday

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the club, West Kerry's Rugbai Chorca Dhuibhne will host a very special match between the President's Invitation XV and the Munster XV at the club's rugby grounds in Ballydavid on Thursday August 20th, kick-off 6.30pm...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Rose of Tralee kicks off this Friday

Who will be crowned the 50th Rose of Tralee next week? That responsibility will in part lie with West Kerry TV personality Dáithí Ó Sé who is the Chairman of the Rose of Tralee Judging Panel this year...READ THE FULL STORY AT http://www.dinglenews.com/

Clár imeachtaí ar an mBlascaod Mór

Tionólfar clár imeachtaí ar an mBlascaod Mór ar an nDomhnach, an 23 Lúnasa, mar pháirt de Sheachtain Oidhreachta 2009 & mar chomóradh ar phobal agus ar chultúr an oileáin...Nios mo ag www.dinglenews.com

Gardai not treating Castlegregory death as suspicious

Gardai are not treating the discovery of a man's body in Castlegregory as suspicious...READ MORE AT www.dinglenews.com

Elusive bird species in West Kerry

Top Irish birders motored out beyond An Tiaracht to find elusive seabird species last week...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Eircom to host talks with Annascaul residents

Eircom says it's planning to hold a meeting with residents in Annascaul over their concerns about a proposed telecommunications mast for the village. Work on the National Digital Radio Service mast has been delayed due to ongoing protests...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Damien Dempsey announces Dingle gig

Music fans will be delighted to know that singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey will play a one-off gig in the Hillgrove on Dingle's Spa Road, on Saturday, September 19th...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com.

Le Solitaire Du Figaro arrives in Dingle

52 yachts are to arrive in Dingle Bay as part of the French yacht race, Le Solitaire du Figaro. The yachts are coming from France and will be accompanied by the Irish and French navy...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Two young men killed on Tralee-Killarney road

Two young men died when their car crashed into a wall and burst into flames moments after celebrating their friend’s Leaving Certificate results, last night on the Tralee-Killarney road...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Body of missing man recovered off Clare coast

The body of a man recovered in the sea off the County Clare coast is now believed to be 25 year-old Colm Ó'Murchú who had been reported missing on July 23rd...READ THE FULL STORY AT www.dinglenews.com

Kerry in driving seat in Croke Park demolition derby

The doubters were silenced this afternoon as Kerry swept away a shell-shocked Dublin in this today's eagerly anticipated All-Ireland SFC quarter final clash in Croke Park putting the Leinster Champions to bed with a 1-07, 1-24 score-line. In the words of Sunday Game panellist Colm O’Rourke, Kerry put on ‘one of the greatest first half displays ever seen in Croke Park’ in front of an 80,000 strong crowd...
Read the full story at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Expenses of South Kerry TD come under scrutiny

Kerry South TD, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue has come under the spotlight due to extent of expenses incurred during his tenure as the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism with a Sunday Newspaper claiming that his use of the government jet over a six-day journey in May 2006 is said to have cost the taxpayer €32,450. Fianna Fail TD John O’Donoghue is one of the Dingle Peninsula’s public representatives in the Dail along with Kilgarvan’s Jackie Healy-Rae (Ind.) and Rathmore’s Tom Sheehan (FG)...

Read the full story at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Sudden passing of prominent Dingle solicitor

One of Dingle’s most prominent and influential figures, solicitor Peter J. Callery, has died. Mr. Callery passed away last Friday at Cork University Hospital...Read the full story at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Pilot whales attempt stranding off West Kerry coast

There was grave concern regarding the safety of ten pilot whales who had entered shallow water off the West Kerry coast today (Thursday July 30th). A number of boats in the area attempted to redirect the whales into deeper water...

Read more at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Community spirit to reign supreme in Lispole

There's an old Irish saying, ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann a chéile; this is certainly true in Lispole as the village prepares to celebrate their annual community festival Féile Lios Póil this weekend from Friday July 31st-Wednesday August 5th...Read more at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Search continues in West Kerry for missing man

Gardaí are appealing for the public's help in a search for a missing man in the Slea Head area of West Kerry. Twenty-five year old Tralee man Colm Ó Murchú was reported missing by his family last Thursday night...Read the full story at http://www.dinglenews.com/

A-Mazing'; Farmer creates five acre corn maze in Dingle

The people of Dingle have been exploring many ways to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the GAA; however a farmer from Lispole has come up with the most a-'mazing' plan of all by constructing a five acre corn maze in the shape of the GAA’s emblem in Dingle town...Read the full story at http://www.dinglenews.com/

Locals brave the elements to attend photo exhibit

Despite the stormy weather conditions, locals braved the elements to attend a new photo exhibition entitled 'Corca Dhuibhne', which opened in the Dingle Marina Centre last Saturday night. The exhibition, compiled by local photographers Steven Ghesquiere and Marian O'Flaherty, depicted the Dingle Peninsula in all its glory..

Read more, and view the exhibit online at http://www.dinglenews.com/

The Dingle News Website: www.dinglenews.com

Visit The Dingle News new website at http://www.dinglenews.com/

The Dingle News launches new website; www.dinglenews.com

The Dingle News is proud to announce the development and launch of a new and exciting website at http://www.dinglenews.com/. The aim of this new website is to open up a whole new world of possibilities in terms of exposure on a national and global scale and providing local people and visitors to the area with up to the minute news and information. The new website includes many exciting new features:

• Dingle News - Comprehensive News Coverage of the Dingle Peninsula and beyond


• Events and Gig Guide - An online guide to whats happening in Corca Dhuibhne at any given time


• Classifieds - A free online classifieds section where people can post their notices free of charge


• Gallery - A photo gallery documenting the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula


• Comment - A forum where people can e-mail their letters and opinions


• Directory - A business directory where local people can advertise their business information


• Advertise - A dedicated advertorial section (including a Lifestyles section) where local business can advertise through banner advertising, commercial features (including the option to include photography of their business and editorial articles on their services.

Other exciting additions include:

• Accommodation - Links directly to www.dodingle.com where a comprehensive accommodation listing is available. Indeed dinglenews.com and dodingle.com are now working together to cross-promote the Dingle Peninsula in a way never before thought possible. This synergy between the two sites ensures maximum web exposure at minimal cost.


• Bars & Restaurants - A section dedicated to local Bars and Restaurants which local businesses can use to advertise all aspects of their business through restaurant reviews, information on upcoming events, location, history etc


• Visitor Information - Information on the Dingle Peninsula for visitors to the area


• Dingle Online Store - Designed for Local businesses with online stores or websites . They can advertise their links and wares here; the idea is to create a 'virtual Dingle Shopping Street' on the Internet, a focal point, or portal for online shopping in Corca Dhuibhne, inviting people to shop in West Kerry no matter what part of the world they are in.

People can search the stories on the site using the sections like: CULTURE, MUSIC & THE ARTS, SPORT, POLITICS AND BUSINESS. People can also search according to location: --DINGLE, ANNASCAUL, BALLYFERRITER for example.

The website went live today at http://www.dinglenews.com/ but the Dingle News Blog, http://www.dinglenews.blogspot.com/ will still run alongside the new site. The Dingle News is also fully in-tune with the so-called 'new media' and regularly updates its Twitter and Facebook pages. Elements of the site are still being developed and bear with us while we fine-tune various sections. Anyone interesting in advertising may contact dinglenews@gmail.com or editor@dinglenews.com for more information.

Extremely competitive rates are available which will provide maximum exposure at minimal cost, allowing you to potentially reach millions of customers and clients from as little as 50c a day.

The Dingle News is different - as a popular website in its original 'blog' format over the past two years, it attracts thousands, both at home and abroad, who log on every week to keep up to date with events. From an advertisers perspective, you are reaching both a global and targeted local audience. While many of the tourist orientated websites may only attract visitors once or twice a year when booking a holiday, The Dingle News has regular readers, providing constant web exposure. Please feel free to get in touch if you wish to highlight an issue, report a story or advertise your their business at editor@dinglenews.com or dinglenews@gmail.com.

A special Photographic Exhibition celebrating the website will also take place at the Dingle Marina Centre Meeting Room this Saturday night from 8pm onwards and on Sunday from 2-6pm. The exhibit, simply entitled 'Corca Dhuibhne' seeks to explore the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula though some stunning imagery. All are welcome to attend and information on dinglenews.com and dodingle.com will also be available.

BIG PAYBACK returns to Adams this Saturday

Over the years THE BIG PAYBACK has taken on many different guises (from the massive BOOTILICIOUS BIG BEAT BOOGIE in The Hillgrove to the more House influenced gig STRANGE BREW in Paul's and legendary annual FUNK BALL held in Danno's as part of Feile Na Bealtaine) but nothing compares to those original sweat filled nights of block party beats in Adam's Bar.
So when one half of The Big Payback crew, Ben had to decide what he would do to celebrate/commiserate turning 30, it was a no brainer ... WE'RE COMING BACK TO ADAM'S!
This is FREE gig open to everyone, but as we all know Adam's isn't the largest of bars so if you want to get in make sure you are there early. First tune is at 9pm. And remember the old adage... DRESS TO SWEAT! - Ben Farr, Finn McCool's Surf Co., Dingle. www.finnmccools.ie

West Kerry Agri-Show returns to Dingle this Sunday

It's Show-Time!
--44th Annual West Kerry Agricultural Show - Dingle Mart Grounds
--Sunday, July 19th from 12.30pm
The West Kerry Agricultural Show returns this Sunday (July 19th) with the show’s local committee welcoming locals and visitors alike to experience one of the best family days out in the year. A staple of West Kerry life for many decades, the show has built its success on a strong community foundation, hosting many competitions in bakery, art, crafts, photography and horticulture as well as showcasing the best in livestock. A variety of different competitive classes will be contested at the show for cattle, ponies, horse and sheep, with a prize fund of €20,000 up for grabs along with an array of prestigious trophies. Budding artists and craft enthusiasts of all ages are also invited to submit their works to the ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITION and submissions from all age groups are welcome. An exciting addition to the Arts Competition this years is the addition of the first WEST KERRY AGRICULTURAL SHOW AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION. Entrants of all ages are invited to submit one of their photos and the winning entries will be exhibited during the show. Submissions must have a farming or agricultural theme and can be dropped into the Dingle Mart Canteen on Saturday July 18th from 4pm - 8pm. Bakers and cake-makers of all ages can look forward to the 'hotly' contested Cookery Competition, with special prizes for the Best Pie/Tart, Best Bread and Best Cake. Regarding the arts and craft competitions, a special prize will be awarded, Best Overall School, recognising the efforts of its pupils’ participation in the West Kerry Agricultural Show and all entries should be handed into the Dingle Mart Canteen between 4pm and 8pm on Saturday July 18th. Entries for the Cookery Competition should be handed in by 12 noon on Show - Day. Another exciting addition to this year’s show in Dingle is the MILKING COWS COMPETITION. This consists of two artificial milking cows; the object of the game is to milk more from your cow than your opponent. this is sure to be a brilliant game that can be enjoyed by everyone. Other events include the ANNUAL DOG SHOW which has become one of the days most popular events, with categories for puppies, large dogs, small dogs, gun dogs and sheep dogs in work. Sheep Dog Trials will also take place . Other fun competitions include the Granny Gaelach, Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman and the Bonny Baby competition, presenting those holidaying in Dingle the chance to engage in some good wholesome family fun. The West Kerry Agricultural Show will also host an Irish Dancing Exhibition with Rinceoirí na Mara and music from Banna Fife agus Drumma Daingean Uí Chúis.
The West Kerry Agricultural Show will take place at the Mart Grounds, which may be accessed via the Spa Road or John Street, Dingle, on Sunday (July 19th) beginning at 12.30pm. All are welcome to attend!
To enquire about submitting pieces to the many competitions contact Paddy Browne at 066-9151293.
Pictured above, l-r, Local committee members Joanne Ní Shuailleabháin, Derry Murphy, Paddy Browne, Michael O'Connor and Nora Joyce preparing the for event at the Dingle Mart Grounds.

Dingle Canon to host special lecture on Dick Fitzgerald

Dingle Historical Society presents:

Dick Fitzgerald;
When The Hills Were Bleeding and The Playing Fields Golden

A lecture by An Canónach Tomás Ó Luanaigh
Venue: An Díseart, Green Street, Dingle on Friday July 17th @ 8pm

'An Seabhac' enlisted Dick Fitzgerald into the Irish Volunteers in 1913. Kerry's first Gaelic Football superstar and author turned his attention from Gaelic League activites to the national struggle spending most of 1916 in the Frongoch Prisoner of War Camp in Wales and later periods on the run inthe Black Valley. For ten years, until his young death, he served as anelected member of Killarney U.D.C. Following the Truce he switched from SinnFéin to Cumann na nGaedhal but constantly sought reconciliation in his community work. His colleague of 1913 and 1914, Pat 'Aeroplane' O'Shea,deemed him "a great captain - our champion and our guardian." All are welcome to attend this special lecture.

Daylight robbery: thieves steal up to 1k in goods in Dingle

Gardai are urging the public to be extra vigilant following a robbery in Dingle. On Friday July 10th two men, whom Gardai believe to be of Eastern European descent, stole in excess of €1,000 worth of drink and clothing from a large store in the town. Gardai are currently following a definite line of enquiry in identifying the suspects who were caught on CCTV in Dingle. Other recent incidents include the theft of a sum of money was taken from a Café on Main Street in broad daylight and a few weeks ago a house was broken into on Mail Road. There is no clear connections between the crimes however the incidence of burglaries and robberies are rapidly increasing. Gardai are urging locals to be report any suspicious activity to 066-9151522.

Settlement reached outside High Court in Dingle school language row

Parents group Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta have welcome the agreement reached outside the High Court regarding the language policy of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne pending clarification of the details of the agreement.
“This agreement strengthens the rights of Gaeltacht parents and their children to an all-Irish education in the Gaeltacht and we welcome that. However clarification is required regarding the Droichead programme (for students with weak Irish) and the Provision of an All-Irish Education for the community school.” said Roibeard Ó hEartáin on behalf of Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta who have also requested a meeting with the school's Bord of Management. An agreement was reached after the High Court proceedings began last Tuesday (July 7th) instigated by parents group, Concerned Parents of Chorca Dhuibhne who claim that the school's all-Irish teaching policy was a barrier to those without fluency. They sought a bilingual stream to be introduced. Sources now say that both sides are pleased with the outcome however further details have yet to emerge. Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta and the school's Board of Management were opposed to bilingual teaching in the school saying that it discriminated against the rights of children who wished to undertake their studies in Irish.

Michael Jackson Memorial Service Live Feed

Michael Jackson 1958-2009
Michael Jackson's memorial service is currently taking place at the Staples Center in L.A.
There is no doubt that he was one of the greatest talents ever to grace this Earth and his legacy is undeniable.
Watch the memorial service live by clicking on this link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/watch-michael-jacksons-me_n_226957.html
"When the groove is dead and gone, you know that love survives, and we will rock forever" - Michael Jackson, from Rock With You, from the album Off the Wall.

M.J., R.I.P. xxx

New figures reveal drop in Dingle unemployment figures

According to figures released yesterday, Dingle experienced an estimated 7% drop in those signing on in June, bringing the total number of sign-ons in the area to 659.

This bucks the county-wide trend as it was revealed that unemployment levels in County Kerry continued to rise by 3.5% last month, bringing the total number of those signing on in Kerry to a startling 15,729.

The drop in figures in Dingle may be attributable to the arrival of the tourist season, with Kenmare also revealing a 7% drop.

However anyone working in the tourist industry on the Dingle Peninsula will be quick to tell you that this summer is one of the quietest, visitor-wise, in living memory.

6,744 are now signing on in Tralee, 1,278 in Killorglin, 2,887 in Listowel, 2,964 in Killarney, 650 in Cahersiveen and 547 in Kenmare.

In related news, there are over 1700 people in Kerry currently waiting to have their social welfare applications processed, 93 of those in the Dingle area alone.

Swine Flu vaccinations to be made available this autumn

A free swine flu vaccination is to be offered to the general population in the coming months, as part of a major plan to avoid the worst affects of a global pandemic.The HSE plans to acquire over 7,500,000 doses of the vaccine, at a cost of almost €90m.The jabs would be administered by GPs or through a network of over a hundred swine flu clinics and will be ready by the autumn. Twelve new cases of swine flu were confirmed in Ireland yesterday, bringing the total number in Ireland to 63. A case has yet to be confirmed in Kerry however it seems that its a question of if rather than when with numbers on the increase everyday. In a worrying development, officials in Hong Kong said yesterday that they have detected a case of swine flu which is resistant to Tamiflu, the main treatment for the virus.The World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic is underway from the new H1N1 strain of the virus. More information on how to limit the spread of the virus is available at the HSE's website, http://www.hse.ie/

Musical innovators Túcan set to rock MacCarthy's this July

“Túcan run the gamut of flamenco, jazz, hard rock and metal” – The Irish Times
Musical innovators Túcan take their Aliquot Strings Tour to MacCarthy’s, Upper Main Street, Dingle on Friday, July 10th, in what promises to be a rockin' gig. Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Aliquot Strings, Túcan have been touring extensively and their live set has ignited a veritable bonfire of critical acclaim with their original musical fusion. Túcan are a band designed to cross borders and their music has a universal quality to it as its blends various genres to create a distinctive sound. From classical influences to 1960’s rock, from heavy metal to trad, flamenco and jazz, Túcan seamlessly weave together an enchanting sound. As a consequence, the feedback across Europe has been excellent, with Túcan performing at locations spanning the entire continent from Scandinavia to Iberia. Highlights include gigs at Earls Court, London, two great shows in Bristol and the Freetown Christiania Gig in Copenhagen. Check out www.tucanmusic.com or www.myspace.com/tucanmusic to experience their unique musical perspective for yourself. The gig at MacCarthy’s is set to be a blast, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment as the buzz surrounding Túcan is swiftly gathering. Doors at 9pm, Friday July 10th.For booking info check the Dingle News Gig Guide.

Irish co-ordinator to be appointed in Dingle school

It has been announced that a co-ordinator, who will promote the Irish language among students, is to be appointed at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne - made possible by 35,000 euro in grant aid.
The money has been made available for two years by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs and the co-ordinator will be appointed through Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne. 84 families have issued legal proceedings against the school due to its all-Irish teaching policy in Dingle's only public post-primary school. The school has strenuously outlined the importance of teaching through Irish as a school in a Gaeltacht area. Meanwhile the Concerned Parents group have previously stated that they are seeking education in Irish and in English as they feel some students lack the necessary Irish language skills to achieve their full potential at the school. The case will be heard in the High Court on July 7th.

Dingle Cottages prepare to celebrate 100th anniversary

100 years-a-growing

Residents of The Cottages, at The Wood, Dingle are preparing to celebrate 100 glorious years this October with a special reunion event for residents past and present. Built in 1909 the fifteen cottages, located at the water's edge at The Wood overlooking Dingle Harbour, are local landmarks in themselves, having stood the test of time. Having survived the War of Independence, the Civil War and the immense change which Dingle has seen throughout the 20th and the 21st century, its current residents are inviting anyone who may have had an association with the Cottages to come along and celebrate 100-years a growing at a special event in Dingle on October 3rd. The residents committee will host a special commemorative Mass which will be celebrated on 3rd October at 4 p.m. in the Dingle Harbour Lodge followed by a small reception with tea, coffee and refreshments. Later that event a celebratory meal and music will be hosted at the Skellig Hotel at 8pm. “Everyone who would like to attend either event is cordially invited and tickets for the meal in the Skellig will be on sale from committee members closer to the date” said Margaret Holderied of the Last Cottage. “Also If anybody reading this has any information, old photographs, stories or anecdotes about the residents past or present their contributions would be very much appreciated.”A special website has been created where people can access more information on the event and also search though the history of the Cottages. The committee may contacted via e-mail at cottagescentenary@gmail.com,

at +353 (0)66-9151469 or visit their website, http://www.cottagescentenary.page.tl/.

"Bilingual teaching will undermine the rights of Gaeltacht children" - claim

Tuismitheoiri na Gaeltachta, the parents group advocating the continuation of an all-Irish teaching policy in Dingle's Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne have stated that if bilingual teaching is introduced in the school it will "undermine the right of Gaeltacht children to an education through Irish in West Kerry." A number of local families have instigated high court action against the school in an effort to secure the option of bilingual teaching, in English and in Irish, for students at Dingle's only public secondary school. Tuismitheoiri na Gaeltachta are opposed to this and support the school's stance on adopting an all-Irish teaching policy. "Some parents want their children educated through English and that is their choice, but it should not replace the right of Gaeltacht children to an Irish language education" read the statement. "The language of instruction and the language of communication are both vital to Gaeltacht schools. If two languages are used for instruction, the dominant stronger language will become the language of communication."A ‘bilingual’ policy in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne would change the language of communication between students and their teachers to English, giving way to a Gaeltacht school run through English, with some subjects taught through Irish." The group taking the High Court action, Concerned Parents of Chorca Dhuibhne, have stated on previous occasions to the press that, as the only public post-primary school in Dingle, they are fighting for a bilingual teaching options, in Irish and English, in an effort to afford all students an equal chance in achieving their full potential at the school. The group were contacted for comment but were unable to due to the pending High Court proceedings. The case by the Concerned Parents Group against the school is due to be heard on July 7th.

New retail development planned for Mail Road

Plans for a new shopping centre development in Dingle have been submitted to Kerry County Council. The application, made by John Moran of Moran's Supermarket and Petrol Station is seeking to construct a new 'mixed use development with a supermarket, retail units, a restaurant, offices and a leisure centre at Mail Road, Dingle (location indicated above). The development is so consist of three or four storeys on a site of 1.3 hectares. The supermarket will have a net floorspace of 1,125sq metres and the new sports complex will neighbour Pairc an Aghasaigh. 202 car-parking spaces have also been included in the application. More information on the development is available in the planning section of Kerry County Council's website, http://www.kerrycoco.ie/. Map courtesy of www.dodingle.com.

Udaras in disusssion with insurance company

Údarás na Gaeltachta has confirmed that discussions are currently taking place with an insurance company about new investment in Dingle and the possible creation of up to 20 jobs. It follows an announcement by Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue of Fianna Fail that twenty jobs are to be created in at the Udaras na Gaeltachta offices at Baile an Mhuilinn, Dingle. Udaras member and Fine Gael Councillor Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald said the announcement was premature and could damage negotiations with the company. Údarás says it's in talks with insurance brokers McGivern Flynn and Company Limited about plans to establish a new operations in Dingle and It's hoping to make a proposal to its Board within the next three or four months on the venture. The last major outfit to come to Dingle were call-centre Contact 4 which resulted in immense job losses when the Scottish parent company pulled out of Ireland last year. Reports suggested they had received up to three million in grant-aid to come to Dingle. Offices were also upgraded and the facility and a new car-park created.

Knuttel to exhibit at Dingle's Greenlane this July

KNUTTEL ‘BACK TO BASICS’ EXHIBITION AT THE GREENLANE
Greenlane Gallery - Holy Ground, Dingle - July 10th - 31st
Having graduated in sculpture from the NCAD, world-renowned Irish artist, Graham Knuttel, has made his name primarily through the medium of painting. In his latest body of work however, the Dublin maverick makes a stunning return to physical form, with a collection of sculptures inspired by the delightful cats, birds and fish that form an ongoing motif throughout his whole body of work. These latest sculptures will feature alongside Knuttel’s latest paintings and tapestries at the Back to Basics Exhibition at the Greenlane Gallery Dingle which will run from 10th – 31st July 2009. This new collection, which is as covetable as it is collectible, sees Knuttel move from one dimension in painting, to two dimensions in his tapestries and finally to maturity in the rubric of the three-dimensional form of sculpture. The work is at once playful and urbane, and the colours he uses such as brilliant oranges, sunny yellows, verdant greens and regal blues; sometimes embellished with gold, sometimes glossily reflective in his paintings and sculptures, provide the viewer with an entry point to a strange other world that is sophisticated in its simplicity, yet not always easy to define. “We are delighted to host this exhibition of Graham Knuttel’s wonderful new work” said Greenlane Gallery owner, Susan Callery. “This is one of few times Knuttel has ever exhibited in Kerry, and we are very pleased to welcome him to the Greenlane’s portfolio of artists. This colourful and exciting body of work by one of Ireland’s most consistently curious artists is the perfect way to welcome the summer into the Gallery.” The exhibition will be opened by Listowel's Billy Keane, renowned writer, publican and the son of the late great John B. at 7.30pm on Friday July 10th. For further information contact 066-9152018 or visit http://www.greenlanegallery.com/.

Danno's to host 'Black Pudding' event this Friday

The 'Dingle Black Pudding Society' in association with Rugbai Chorca Dhuibhne will present a very special event in Dannos Bar this Friday night to mark the second annual Tag Beach Rugby Blitz which will take place on Muirioch Beach the following day (Saturday 27th). All are invited to Danno's for 'A Taste of Black Pudding' on Friday, June 26th, beginning at 10pm. Music will be provided by Ivor O'Connor and entry is free. Donations can also be made on the night to the Stuart Mangan Appeal. Teams can still enter the Tag Rubgy Beach Blitz which will see many stars, including rugby legend Mick Galwey and RTE GAA pundit Dara O Cinneide, lead teams to compete in the competition. All are welcome to attend the event at Danno's this Friday and teams may register to take part in the Tag Rugby Beach Blitz at www.irishrugby.ie.

Tralee Swine Flu tests come back negative

A child who was being treated at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee is no longer suspected of having the swine flu virus after tests carried out today came back negative. The child, who is understood to have recently returned from the US, was being treated after presenting with symptoms of the virus. To download information on how to limit the spread of the virus (pictured right) visit http://www.hse.ie/.

Child tested for Swine Flu in Tralee

BREAKING NEWS:
A child being treated at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee has been tested for SWINE FLU after presenting with symptoms. It is understood the child had recently returned from the US and is now being treated in isolation at the hospital. Tests are being carried out to establish the nature of the illness. The HSE has confirmed it's investigating a suspected case of human swine flu at the hospital but insists that the case has NOT been confirmed. A result from the tests is expected later tonight. This comes hot on the heels of reported cases in counties Mayo and Roscommon. Minister for Health Mary Harney has said she is 'satisfied Ireland is completely prepared for a swine flu pandemic'; however with hospital resources stretched to the limit in many regional and urban hospitals, with ward closures, a lack of beds and personnel only time will tell if the Health Minister's comments are accurate. The World Health Organisation recently declared the outbreak of Swine Flu a global pandemic with over 74 countries have reported over 27,700 cases of the virus, including 141 deaths.