Tuesday 30 June 2009

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.

Saturday 27 June 2009

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.

Thursday 25 June 2009

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/.

Monday 22 June 2009

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.

Sunday 21 June 2009

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.

Friday 19 June 2009

Cllr. Bobby O'Connell selected as new Mayor of Kerry

The new Mayor of Kerry is Fine Gael Councillor, Bobby O'Connell (pictured left). Selected today at Kerry County Council's inaugural meeting following the June 5th election, the Castleisland Councillor was deemed Mayor after winning eighteen votes to seven with two abstentions. Independent FF Councillors Michael and Danny Healy Rae backed Councillor O’Connell, despite having previously supported Fianna Fail. Labour Councillor, Tralee's AJ Spring, was elected Deputy Mayor. Cllr. O'Connell is the first Fine Gael Mayor of Kerry since 1989 and he has sited unemployment as one of the biggest issues he has to tackle while in office. Fine Gael and the Labour Party have now formed an alliance, giving them a majority in the Council which was previously under Fianna Fáil's control, with support from the Healy-Raes.

Reemo and Travega to rock An Chonair tonight

Exciting new-comers Reemo (pictured left) and Travega (pictured right) will rock Dingle tonight (Friday June 19th) as they play a special live set in An Chonair, starting at 9pm. Reemo’s debut album Colours has been critically acclaimed; the energetic collection lends a new insight on the rock genre with melodic songs driven by dance beats and memorable hooks that stick in your head. Interpol comes to mind when listening to Reemo’s music, hear it for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/reemotheband. Travega are an original four-piece band hailing from Dublin; after crash landing onto the music scene with their dynamic rock sound, they have wowed audiences with their high-energy live shows. Travega site a wide range of influences, from U2 to The Foo Fighters. Their single Rewind is typical of their new album, produced by Garth ‘Ggg’ Richardson, who has also worked with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Nickelback to name a few. Check out their music at http://myspace.com/travega. This special line-up will take to the stage at An Chonair at 9pm, followed by a DJ set, all proceeds raised to go towards the Dingle Youth Advisory Panel.

An Díseart to host festival in honour of Nano Nagle this weekend

The life and times of Presentation Order founder, Nano Nagle, will be celebrated at a special spiritual festival at An Diseart, this weekend. Ceoltóiri Óga Chorca Dhuibhne will open proceedings tonight (Friday June 19th) when they perform a special musical recital at 7pm in An Diseart. Following a book sale tomorrow afternoon (Sat, June 20th), local historian Pat Nelligan will officially launch a new book entitled Jesus in Dingle, conceived and written by local author, former Dingle Canon and Professor, Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta. Mass will be celebrated in the beautiful Presentation Convent Chapel at 11.30am, home to the world famous Harry Clarke stained-glass windows. This will be followed by a special blessing in the Nano Nagle room where artist Eleanor Yates has created a number of murals. Refreshments will then be served in the grounds of An Diseart from 1-3pm, while the Monsignor blesses a recently rediscovered well.An Diseart will be open to the public from 10am this Monday and Tuesday while a pilgrimage to An Teampall Geal at Baile Riach will bring this spiritual festival to a close. An Díseart Institute of Education and Celtic Culture was founded in 1996 and strives to promote research, courses and cultural activities in all areas of native and Celtic Culture including theology, language, literature, art, laws, folklore, values, spirituality, history, music, archaeology and customs.All are welcome to attend these events over the weekend, more information is available at 066-9150000 or visit the Diseart online at http://www.diseart.ie/.

Homecoming celebration for Lispole MEP tonight

A special homecoming celebration will be hosted in Sullivan's Pub, Garraí na dTor in Lispole tonight, (Friday June 19th) welcoming home new Dublin MEP, Joe Higgins, to his native village. Joe Higgins became the first Kerryman to be elected to the European Parliament following the June 5th Euro Elections, dramatically taking a seat in the tightly contested Dublin Constituency. It is a monumental achievement for the Socialist and former TD who, as gifted speaker and man of keen intellect, he is sure to shake things up on the continent. The celebration takes place in Sullivan's Pub, Garrai tonight at 9pm and all are welcome to attend. For more information on Joe Higgins MEP visit his Facebook profile at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Joe-Higgins/.

Munster Legends to compete in Muiríoch Tag Rugby Tournament

Irish Rugby legend Mick Galwey has confirmed that his team of Munster Legends, captained by Anthony Foley, will take part in the Beach Tag Rubgy Tournament, hosted by Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne next weekend (Saturday June 27th) at Muiríoch Beach. This is the second annual Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne Beach Tag Rugby Festival in West Kerry, where the game is experiencing massive growth with local teams excelling at many levels. The event will see teams arrive from all over Ireland along with their supporters for a mighty weekend in the West. Alongside Mick Galwey’s Legends team, a special team headed by All-Ireland winning Kerry GAA star and Sunday Game pundit, Dara Ó Cinnéide will also compete along with other local GAA and sports stars. C.L.G an Gaeltacht have made their facilities available for the event and its shaping up to be an excellent event. For further information contact Adrian on 087-2976569 or Damien on 086-8187810. Five-a-side form of Tag rugby is played by mixed teams of men and women and is a very popular fun break away for all who take part, whether as players or spectators. All of the festivals are open, meaning that no qualification is necessary, nor do you need to have a team registered in the Summer Leagues. Entries will be allocated on a first come first served basis but slots are filling up fast so register soon on www.irfutag.ie to avoid disappointment. Pictured, l-r, Sean Paidi Gromeil, Neasa Misteal, Mick Galwey, Edel Lovett and Damien Brown launching the Beach Tag Rugby Tournament in Muirioch.

Thursday 18 June 2009

Legendary Russian poet to read at Féile na Bealtaine event

Féile na Bealtaine presents: Yevgeny Yevtushenko - Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork, Sunday July 5th, 4.30pm.
One of the 20th and 21st centuries’ most inspirational and influential poets will visit Ireland this July as the special guest at an event hosted and facilitated by members of Dingle arts festival committee Féile na Bealtaine. World renowned Russian poet, Yevgeny Yevtushenko (pictured left on the cover of TIME) has been invited by Feile na Bealtaine to read from his vast canon of poetry on Sunday July 5th at the Mall Arts Centre, Town hall, Youghal, Co. Cork. Yevgeny Yevtushenko was born in 1933 in Siberia and is considered to be Russia's best-known living poet. His most famous poem Babii Yar (1961) denounced the Soviet distortion of historical fact regarding the Nazi massacre of an estimated 34,000 Ukrainian Jews in September 1941, as well as the anti-Semitism still widespread in the Soviet Union - the poem was not officially printed in Russia until 1984. Poet-laureate of Russia, besides his poetry Yevtushenko has also written essays and a novel and is also a film-director. His writings have been translated into more than 70 languages. He is also the recipient of many honours, including the highest decoration in Russia - Great Achievements for the Motherland. Yevgeny Yevtushenko is currently a distinguished professor at Tulsa University in Oklahoma. He describes, his own words: “my own poems…they’ve endowed me with wealth…no one told me how to spend it” Music accompaniment will be provided by Principal Viola player with National Symphony Orchestra John Lynch and cellist Ms Jane Hughes. The event is to be chaired by Féile na Bealtaine Director, Dr. Mícheál Fanning, the renowned Dingle poet whose most recent published collections include Briathar & Solas (Echoes & Shadows).

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Gardai urge vigilance following Dingle burglary

Gardai are urging the public to exercise extra vigilance with regards to the the security of their homes and businesses following a burglary in Dingle last weekend. A break-in occurred at a premises on Mail Road on Saturday night and they are also looking into vandalism which occurred in the Wine Strand area. This comes hot on the heels of a number of break-ins in Blennerville and in Tralee the previous week. Any information or suspicious activity can be reported to Dingle Garda Station at 066-9151522.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Who will be the new Mayor of Kerry?

Kerry County Council will meet on Friday to appoint the new Mayor of Kerry and the word is that Dingle Councillor Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald (pictured left) may be among the the front-runners up for consideration. The Mayor, or Chairperson of the Council, will be elected by those elected to the Council in the June 5th Local Area Elections and as Cllr. Cosai Fitzgerald is returning for a third term, his seniority is sure to considered in the selection process. Fellow Fine Gael Councillors Bobby O'Connell and Tim Buckley, who are returning for their fourth term in office are also likely candidates. Independent Fianna Fail Councillor Danny Healy-Rae may also be among the possible candidates for Mayor, following in his brother's footsteps (Cllr. Michael Healy-Rae). According to sources, negotiations between the parties are on-going in an effort to form alliances in the Council and "anything is possible" combination-wise. 14 councillors must ratify the election of the new Mayor of Kerry; all will be revealed this Friday at the newly elected Council's inaugural meeting.

Funding scheme for musicians announced

MAKE A PERFECT PITCH FOR FUNDING!
There is some good news on the horizon for Corca Dhuibhne's aspiring musicians and groups as Music Network today (16th June 2009) announced details of the second round of the Music Capital Scheme, an initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments funded by the Arts Council. The scheme and research project was operated on a pilot basis in 2008 with a view to recommending formalised structures for ongoing support in this area. Closing date for applications 5:30pm Monday 2nd November 2009. Awards in this scheme will be made to individual artists, to ensembles and to organisations supporting musical practice in other ways. A total fund of up to €113,000 in grant aid is available in 2009. This year, there are two categories of support under the Music Capital Scheme aimed at highly skilled performing artists and non-professional performing groups/ensembles. Stream 1: Instrument banks Total available funding in 2009: €75,000. This fund aims to develop instrument banks for non-professional ensembles such as: brass and silver bands, concert bands, symphonic wind ensembles, pipe bands, céilí bands, youth and amateur orchestras and ensembles fife and drum (and other marching) bands, big bands, community music groups (including percussion and samba ensembles) pop/rock music collectives, traditional music groups/organisations, choirs. Available to non-professional organisations only. Stream 2: Individual Instruments. Total available funding in 2009: €37,900. This fund aims supports the purchase of high value musical instruments. One or more awards may be made to support up to 50% of the value of the instrument. Available to highly skilled individual performing artists only. A total of €347,000 was awarded to 41 individuals and organisations through the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project in 2008 including; professional musicians, non-professional performing groups and community-based organisations involved in supporting music practice in their area for the purchase of musical instruments and rehearsal equipment. The scheme elicited 298 applications across three funding streams with the value of funding requests totalling in excess of €2,200,000.Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30 p.m. Monday 2nd November 2009. For further information visit
http://www.musicnetwork.ie/. You many also contact the Music Capital Scheme Manager at 01-6719429 or e-mail capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie.

Monday 15 June 2009

The Big Irish Language Survey launched

Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta (InaG), the Trust Fund for Irish-medium education have launched a major online survey in order to reveal what people think of the Irish language. "Our main role at this stage is to support communities, primarily in the north of Ireland, who wish to fulfil the dream of an education for their children through Irish" said Dr. Reamai Mathers of InaG. "The value of our native culture and bilingualism is being increasingly understood in relation a range of social, intellectual and academic benefits.It is an ambition of our Trust to extend our work throughout Ireland and indeed perhaps overseas, it is therefore of paramount of importance for us to hear the opinions of people in relation to the language be they positive or negative. To this end we have devised a survey that will allow people to express their thoughts on a range of issues." The survey will run online from now until the end of July 2009, visit http://www.iontaobhasnag.com/ to take part.

Cruinniú Glór na Gael agus Coiste CDAC

Fógra - Beidh cruinniú san Ionad Teangan ar an Meall sa Daingean ar an Mháirt seo chughainn,
16 Meitheamh, ag 8.00 i.n. maidir le
a) An togra Corca Dhuibhne ag Caint agus b) Coiste Ghlór na nGael an Daingin a athbhunú.
Fáilte roimh chách!

Saturday 13 June 2009

Cork beat Kerry in Munster SFC replay



Cork 1-17 Kerry 0-12
Cork move into the Munster final to face Limerck after a pulsating win over Kerry at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening.
Pictured left, Dingle's Tommy Griffin in action todday at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
For a minute to minute run down of the game and video footage visit: http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009/0613/cork_kerry.html

Thursday 11 June 2009

Thrills and spills as Slalom Series hits Castlegregory

The Irish Slalom Series Round 3 takes kicks off in Castlegregory this weekend, hosted by Jamie Knox Water-sport this Saturday and Sunday. In the context of water skiing, slalom means to use only one ski. Slalom skiing is considerably difficult and so one usually learns on two skis before switching to one. Once one is comfortable on two skis, learning to slalom ski is accomplished by setting the binding loose on one ski so that it may be dropped. Once the skier is out of the water, he or she will step out of the loose ski and slip the foot into the toe plate binding in the slalom ski. Slalom skiing dramatically increases the speed and agility of the water skier. Once the proper technique for edging across a wake and into the turn is learned, slalom skiing becomes quite high speed and thrilling and this weekend's event promises to be a dramatic and exciting event well worth witnessing! For more info visit the event's page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=82271383718 or contact 066-7139411.

Special Cupcakes and Coffee morning at Fenton's this Friday

If sweet things tickle your fancy then Dingle is the place to be this Friday morning as a special fundraising Cupcakes and Coffee morning is taking place at Fenton's Restaurant, Green Street, Dingle this Friday (June 12th) in aid of SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND. All are welcome to attend and the following Dingle based shops will be participate in a little fashion show: Tigmaya, Woollen Store, La Boheme, Strand House, Lisabeth Mulcahy, Milliner Kathleen McAuliffe, McKennas, Finn Mccools, Garveys Sports and the Mountain Man.
Cup Cakes and Coffee will be served between 11am- 1pm and the your contribution towards the event will be at your own personal discretion. A raffle will also take place and prizes include Dinner Vouchers for Fenton's Restaurant and a beautiful handmade embroidered cushion made by Jill Barton (www.cuisin.co.uk). So support SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND this Friday morning by dropping into Fenton's on Green Street to enjoy Cupcakes, Coffee and Fashion in the heart of Dingle.Contact Pat Fenton at 066-9152172 for more information.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Dingle LEA Count: breakdown of votes cast

Key: ( ) = transfers, (E.) = Eliminated, ** = Elected

PARTY----CANDIDATE------------------ 1st count ------ 2nd count ------- 3rd count ------ 4th count

Ind---------Breanainn O Beaglaoi --------149 (E.)
FF --------- Breandan Fitzgerald----------1053 (60) ------1113 (138)----------1251 (E.)

FG----------Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald-----1580 - (79)----- 1659 (305) -------- 1964 (478)-----2242**
FG----------Brendan Griffin--------------- 2038 ( 79) ------2114 (114)----------2228 (89)-------2317**

Lab-------- Pat Hanafin---------------------813 (129) ------- 942 - (E.)
SF----------Teresa Moriarty-------------- 253 - (E.)
Ind---------Bridget O’Connor ------------ 1179(136) ------ 1315 (179) -------- 1494(126)-------1620 - (E.)

GP----------Darach O Murchu------------ 216 - (E.)
FF----------Micheal O’Shea---------------- 2011 (43)--------2054(88)---------- 2142(375)-------2517**


Non-Transferable ---------------------------------(95)---------------(118)--------------- (183)

Sean Kelly (FG) and Alan Kelly (Lab) take remaining Ireland South seats

Labour Senator Alan Kelly (pictured left) held off a late challenge from sitting Independent MEP, Kathy Sinnott to take the final seat in the Ireland South constituency on the eighth and final count. Mr Kelly from North Tipperay had looked to be set for a close contest for the last seat with Tralee's Toireasa Ferris of Sinn Fein who outpolled him on the first count by 12.98 per cent to 12.88 per cent remaining in contention right to the seventh count when she was dramatically overtaken by Ms Sinnott. This came following the distribution of Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly’s (pictured right) surplus of over 10,000 votes courtesy of running mate Colm Burke’s elimination. But although Ms Sinnott overtook Ms Ferris, she remained some 8,753 behind Alan Kelly and in the end it proved too big a gap to close. Alan Kelly received a total of 21,676 transfers from Ms Ferris to reach a final tally of 105,597 while Ms Sinnott received some 19,966 transfers from Ms Ferris to reach a final figure of 95,134, leaving Mr Kelly to take the final seat on the eighth count without reaching the quota. Former GAA President, Kerryman Sean Kelly of Fine Gael polled an impressive 92,579 or 18.58 per cent on the first count and was duly elected on the sixth count when he benefitted from a massive transfer of 36,318 from party colleague and sitting MEP, Colm Burke to carry him over the quota of 124,532. Afterwards, Sean Kelly said that he was both “humbled and delighted” by his success as he was shouldered high by supporters. Alan Kelly and Sean Kelly now join sitting MEP Brian Crowley (FF) as the three Ireland South MEPs.

Monday 8 June 2009

West Kerry man elected to European Parliamant

Lispole native Joe Higgins has taken the third European seat in the Dublin Constituency. It is a monumental achievement for the Corca Dhuibhne man, making him the first person from Kerry to be elected to the European Parliament. The three seats in the Dublin Constituency have been taken by Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell, Labour's Proinsías De Rossa and the Socialist Party's Joe Higgins. Mr Higgins was elected to the Dublin Constituency on the seventh count at around 5.15am this morning. He received 22,201 votes from eliminated Sein Féin candidate Mary Lou McDonald, leaving him with 82,366. Joe Higgins said that he would serve the needs of ordinary people in the EU; he said his appointment was bad news for corporate Europe and the big business culture. His mother Ellen said she was proud of her son who she said was 'very good'.

Crowley elected in Ireland South Euro Elections


Fianna Fáil outgoing MEP Brian Crowley has been re-elected to the European Parliament in the South constituency on the fourth count. Mr Crowley's victory means five Irish MEPs have now been elected.

Sunday 7 June 2009

O'Shea, Cosai and Griffin deemed elected in Dingle area




The results are in with Micheal O'Shea of Fianna Fail, Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald and Brendan Griffin of Fine Gael taking the three council seats in the Dingle Electoral Area. Both Milltown's Micheal O'Shea (pictured left) and Dingle's Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald (pictured far left) reached their quota polling 2517 and 2442 respectively. Brendan Griffin of Keel (pictured right) took the third remaining seat polling an impressive 2317. It signals the loss of the Fianna Fail seat previously held by Breandan MacGearailt and the party will be disappointed to lose a seat in an area which previously considered a Fianna Fail stronghold. Brendan Griffin ran a dynamic campaign and his supporters will be delighted with his strong showing. Micheal O'Shea also had a good showing consolidating the strong support he has cultivated in the past five years. Despite whispers that he may have faced an uphill struggle, with several candidates running the the Dingle/Gaeltacht area, Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald finished strongly proving that the work he has undertaken in Corca Dhuibhne during his tenure as a councillor has not gone unnoticed. Fianna Fail will have to re-assess their position in the Dingle area; their position will not have been helped by their reluctance to support the movement to reinstate the Dingle name on signposts after 93% of people voted in support of the bilingual names of Dingle/Daingean Ui Chuis. Further blows to the fishing, farming and tourism industry and soaring unemployment also seems to have weighed heavily on the minds of the local electorate, reflecting the national swing against Fianna Fail. Winning two seats in the Dingle area is a major coup for the Fine Gael party as they add to the growing number of seats they have managed to clinch around the country.However the loss of Breandan MacGearailt's seat, as Breandan Fitzgerald did not replicate his forerunners success, is disappointing for the West Kerry area as two seats now reside to the east of the constituency. Brendan Griffin is sure to bring a fresh approach to the fray as a young and enthusiastic individual who has been involved in many local community initiatives for many years.

Saturday 6 June 2009

Tallymen predict Griffin, O'Shea & Cosai for Dingle seats

Breandan MacGearailt's west Kerry council seat is heading east according to tally predictions for Dingle Electoral Area. The latest tallies indicate that the three seats will most likely go to Keel's Brendan Griffin (Fine Gael) pictured left, Micheal O'Shea of Milltown (Fianna Fail) pictured right and potentially Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald of Dingle (Fine Gael). The tallies indicate the following standings: Brendan Griffin (Fine Gael)-2,012, Michael O'Shea (Fianna Fail)-2,006, Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)-1,569, Bridget O'Connor (Ind.)-1,168, Breandan Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)-1,046, Patrick Hanafin (Labour)-809, Teresa Moriarty (Sinn Fein)-249, Darach O Murchu (Greens)-212, Breandan O Beaglaoi (Ind.)-147.

Crowley and Kelly looking good for European Seats

While counting in the European Elections is not to take place until tomorrow, an RTE Exit Poll is predicting that Brian Crowley (Fianna Fail) and Kerryman Seán Kelly (Fine Gael) are to take seats in Ireland South. For more details on this development visit http://www.rte.ie/news/elections/

Election '09: Local & European

Follow all the action in the local election count today on http://elections.kerrycoco.ie/. Developed by Kerry County Council the website will include updated information and the results as they come in. A live broadcast from the Count Centres will take place today (Saturday 6th June) and the results of the count will updated continuously. After the count statistical analysis of the voting, elected representative details and further information will be made available on the website.
Live streaming will take place from Count Centres from 6pm this evening, for info on how things are going in Dingle visit
http://elections.kerrycoco.ie/traleestream.htm.

Continuous updates are also available on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/countykerry. The Dingle News will also broadcast updates as they happen; in the meantime you can follow whats happening across the country on the RTE News Feed above.

Friday 5 June 2009

Dun Laoghaire-Dingle Yacht Race, June 6th-8th

Spills and thrills on the Ocean waves
High octane encounters on the ocean waves will bring a carnival atmosphere to Dingle this June as the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race kicks off this Saturday June 6th. Hosted by the National Yacht Club in association with Dingle Sailing Club (www.saildingle.ie), this race has earned a reputation of being one of the toughest challenges on the Irish Sea. After leaving Scotsman’s Bay, East of Dun Laoghaire, on June 6th, competitors shall tackle the seaward extremities of Wicklow Head, the Old Head of Kinsale, Fastnet Rock, Mizen Head, Gull Rock, Washerwoman Rock off the Great Skellig before finally arriving at the finish line at the entrance to Dingle Harbour. The sight of the yachts pulling into Dingle on June 8th is sure to prove some spectacle as the 40 ft+ beauties plough through the playground of Fungie the Dolphin. This is sure to be a tremendously exciting event with as Dingle and the surrounding area has several excellent vantages points along the coastline to view the yachts come into the harbour. In true Dingle style, the competitors will be greeted with a flurry of music, dance and celebration in recognition of their amazing achievement. More information on the Dun Laoghaire-Dingle Yacht Race, which is sponsored by the Dingle Skellig Hotel, is available at www.nyc.ie, www.dingle-peninsula.ie or www.dingleskellig.com. Check out http://www.dodingle.com/ for information on accomodation.

Monday 1 June 2009

Is Dingle in danger of losing a County Council seat?

The West Kerry Gaeltacht could lose a County Council seat after the June 5th elections according to a prominent figure in local politics in the area.The seasoned campaigner, who wishes to remain anonymous as he is involved in one of the candidates campaigns, claims that with nine candidates contesting three seats, and six of those concentrated in the same West Kerry Gaeltacht area, the region is in grave danger of losing representation in Kerry County Council. “With six running together in a small concentrated area, based on the feedback we are getting on the ground, there is a strong possibility that they may cancel each other out on June 5th” said the source. The possibility that the West Kerry Gaeltacht will lose one of its Councillors is further enhanced by the fact that the recent election boundary revision has seen an additional 600 votes come into the eastern quadrant of the Dingle Electoral Area in Milltown which will no doubt favour candidates in that district. The West Kerry Gaeltacht previously had two sitting councillors: Cllr. Breandán MacGearailt and Cllr. Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald. Cllr. MacGearailt is not re-contesting his seat, however Cllr. Cosai Fitzgerald is seeking re-election. Joining Cllr. Cosai Fitzgerald in the fray in the West Kerry Gaeltacht electoral district are: Breandán Fitzgerald (Fianna Fáil), Patrick Hanafin (Labour), Breannainn Ó Beaglaoi (Independent), Theresa Raftery-Moriarty (Sinn Féin) and Darach Ó Murchú (Green Party). These join candidates seeking election to the east of the Dingle Electoral Area, sitting Milltown-based Cllr. Micheál O’Shea (FF), Keel's Brendan Griffin (FG) and Camp’s Bridget O’Connor (Independent). “The feedback we’ve been getting from door to door is very mixed; if the Dingle and West Kerry Gaeltacht area goes from having two councillors to one at all it will be a major blow to the area which is already suffering with countless lay-offs and a lack of sustainable employment” the source added. "Hopefully this will not be the case but there is a real possibility that this situation could arise."
Pictured above left: An image of US President Barak Obama among the Kerry County Council candidates posters at Milltown roundabout in Dingle.