Kerry Today

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton about the Government’s new plan which promise that at least 30,000 homes will be built by 2030 – including 72,000 social homes.

John Downing of the Irish Independent reviews the week in politics.

Former grassroots director with the FAI, Tom O’Shea from Killarney spoke to Jerry about a great night for Irish soccer. By defeating Portugal 2-0, we’ve kept our dream of World Cup qualification alive.

A special concert, which is part of the celebrations to mark the 250th birth of Daniel O’Connell, will be held in O’Connell Memorial Church on November 22nd, at 8pm. Cahersiveen’s own tenor Dr Gavan Ring, soprano Nicola Ring, The Galway Baytones, and the Liberator Community Choir will take part. The concert is supported by Kerry County Council, Creative Ireland, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Radio Kerry. Jerry spoke to Gavan and to Peter O’Donohue who’s choral conductor and music director of the Galway Baytones and the Lismorahaun Singers.

Today Minister for Education Helen McEntee officially opened Tahilla Community National School. The primary school is under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board. Con Moynihan is director of schools, youth and music with Kerry ETB.

Jerry spoke to Minister Helen McEntee who was attending the conference of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network in Killarney, the official opening of Tahilla Community National School, and a new building at Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahersiveen.

Jerry spoke to Dr Laura Bambrick of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. ICTU says the government has included a ‘stealth cut’ to the jobseeker’s pay-related benefit in its social welfare bill. Congress says it discovered that the jobseeker’s pay-related benefit won’t be included in the general rate increase to core social welfare payments announced in last month’s budget. ICTU says this isn’t faire as workers are paying extra PRSI to fund this new payment, which is intended to insure them against a collapse in income in the first weeks after losing their job.

Jerry spoke to Dr Owen O’Shea and Dr Mary McAuliffe, co-editors of The Civil War in Kerry and Beyond: Histories, Memories and Legacies. The other editor of the book is Bridget McAuliffe.

A new report has outlined several potential risks that climate change poses to the World Heritage Site, Sceilg Mhichíl/ Skellig Michael. The climate vulnerability assessment and report was developed by the National Monuments Service and the OPW in partnership with the National Geographic Society. Jerry spoke to Dr Connie Kelleher, senior archaeological advisor for Sceilg Mhichíl World Heritage Property, senior archaeologist, National Monuments Service and Terri Sweeney Meade, Historic Properties and Capital Works Delivery, Office of Public Works.

The Journal Investigates is today outlining just what candidates in General Election 2024 included on their expense forms as they made their run for Dáil Éireann. Jerry spoke to Conor O’Carroll of The Journal. https://www.thejournal.ie/investigates-unusual-general-election-expenses-6867699-Nov2025/

The Government’s latest housing plan has been unveiled. Jerry got a reaction from Kerry TD Pa Daly who’s Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on climate, environment, energy and transport.

Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty and to Thomas Hubert, editor of The Currency, about the business which is based in St Finian’s Bay, The Glen, Ballinskelligs in the Iveragh Gaeltacht.

A new campaign's been launched to tackle two major issues at University Hospital Kerry - overcrowding in wards, and long delays in the emergency department. The main aim is to encourage the public to only attend the ED in genuine emergency situations, and not to overstay at the hospital, once their treatment is finished. Jerry spoke to Regional Health Forum, South member Cllr Deirdre Ferris Sinn Féin.

Every Wednesday, Tony gives his perspective on listeners’ dilemmas.

Billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien sparked debate with his claim that today’s graduates are “entitled” and that the public sector has become less efficient due to remote work. Is he right — or just taking aim at young people and civil servants? Jerry got the views of Fred McDonogh, managing director of Red Chair Recruitment, which is based in Killarney. https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/11/11/irelands-graduates-entitled-and-tax-regime-digital-colonialism-denis-obrien/

Jerry caught up with Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy to discuss the latest developments at Fels Point and what may be next for the area’s growth and investment.

Yesterday, Catherine Connolly was inaugurated as the 10th President of Ireland. Jerry spoke with Joe Harrington, PRO of the Kerry for Connolly campaign, about the historic moment and what her presidency could mean for the country.

Judges in Kerry have been praised for not allowing convicted motorists avoid penalty points via the poor box. In some criminal prosecutions, a judge can order the defendant to donate money to a charity of the court’s choice, instead of getting a conviction and being fined or imprisoned. Department of Justice figures provided to Deputy Michael Murphy show that 459 drivers had their charges dismissed or struck out since 2022 after making a financial contribution. Kerry is one of the few districts where the practice has been stamped out. Susan Gray is with the PARC Road Safety Group.

Killarney householders who are facing eviction have organised a protest to take place later this month. The residents of Loreto Chapel estate have joined forces with CATU, the Community Action Tenants’ Union. The evictions are entirely legal, with no suggestion by the tenants that the landlords have done anything illegal. The tenants are calling on the government to provide emergency funding for Kerry County Council to buy the properties. Jerry spoke to Michael Sheehan of CATU.

Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly from Kenmare talks to Jerry about today’s inauguration of Catherine Connolly as the state’s tenth president. He also pays tribute to Michael D Higgins. Fr John Ahern talks about his connections to the former president and why he has such admiration for him.

At around midnight, the four survivors of industrial and reformatory schools ended their hunger strike. They began their protest outside Leinster House on September 21st because they believed the State needed to provide more to survivors of the industrial school and orphanage system including enhanced medical cards. The protestors are Maurice Patton O’Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan who were child inmates of Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Tralee, and Mary Dunlevy Greene who attended an industrial school in Limerick. Miriam Moriarty Owens spoke to Treasa Murphy this morning and confirmed that the protest was over following a meeting with the Taoiseach and Education Minister Helen McEntee.

In a riveting exposé, author Eimear Ní Bhraonáin details the extraordinary fall of Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey, who has been sentenced to five and a half years for defrauding 22 people out of nearly €400,000 by falsely claiming he had cancer. For nearly three years, Eimear conducted over one hundred interviews to uncover the depths and impact of his financial scamming and deceit.

The number of fines issued to learner drivers in Kerry has dropped over a twelve-month period. Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil councillor for the Kenmare Municipal District Tommy Cahill, who obtained data which shows that nationally, there has been a reduction in fixed charge notices issued to learner drivers.

Jerry spoke to Cordal native David Walsh, who was named Kerry Person of the Year at a ceremony in Dublin last month. He was described as a person who carries the spirit of Kerry wherever he goes by Chair of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan. He speaks about his upbringing in Kerry, his business life, his charity work, and the importance of his faith.

Jerry spoke to Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, who is visiting Kerry today. He will meet with farmers, and attend the Listowel Food Fair. He says he will fight to keep the nitrates derogation, and has advice for owners of birds with the latest bird flu outbreak. Information on registering bird in your home can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/poultry-register/

The death’s been announced of actor Pauline Collins who was Oscar-nominated for her eponymous role in ‘Shirley Valentine’. She also starred in many successful TV shows. Listeners told Jerry about her Killarney connection. Cllr Sam Locke spoke to Jerry about the event planned in Ballymullen, Tralee this Sunday to remember those who died in war, including the Kerry men who served in World War I.

John Downing of the Irish Independent reviews the week in politics.

Labour party spokesperson on migration Deputy Alan Kelly has called for a campaign promoting the positive aspects migration has brought to this country.

On the first Tuesday of the month, David O’Sullivan of DC Energy Solutions answers your home heating and energy conservation questions. The feature is sponsored by Boyles of Killorglin.

The Draft Castleisland Town Centre First Masterplan and Public Realm Plan is out for public consultation. As part of the process, ARUP Consultants will be hosting a public engagement session on Tuesday, November 11th from 3pm to 7pm in the River Island Hotel, Castleisland. Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae encourages all locals to attend and give their input to help shape Castleisland in the years to come.

Ailís Daly from Tralee, gives advice to listeners about online safety, to protect themselves and their children from scams, abuse, misinformation and AI deception. Ailís spent 20 years working in Dublin’s tech sector with companies like Google, Twitter and Tiktok. She now lives in Kerry and works as a consultant with global tech firms to make the internet safer for everyone. As part of that work, Ailís has just launched a podcast called “Trust Issues: Insights from the People Who Keep the Internet Safe.” You can listen here:

Noel Bardon, news correspondent with the Irish Farmers' Journal discusses rising concerns over the extent of bird flu outbreak. Jerry also spoke to Noel Murphy, ICMSA National Dairy chair from Milltown. Farmers are concerned that the end is nearing for Ireland’s opt-out of the EU Nitrates Directive. Under the directive, farmers have to ensure that the total amount of nitrogen from organic manure applied to their land does not exceed 170kg per hectare per year. Since the 1990s, there’s been a derogation for Irish farmers which allows some of them to use up to 250kg.

Emergency services responded to an explosion and fire at a house in the Manor East area of Tralee, at around 5pm yesterday. Four people – two men, a woman and a teenager – had to be evacuated from the house. One of the men, aged in his 40s had to be taken to hospital. Jerry spoke to Radio Kerry journalist David Nelligan who was at the scene last evening, to Deputy Mayor of Tralee Angie Baily, and to Eoin O’Donnell, acting chief fire officer with Kerry Fire & Emergency Service.

Every Wednesday, Tony gives his perspective on listeners’ dilemmas.

The Government proposes changes to the migrant and refugee system including charges of up to €238 a week for accommodation. John Lannon is CEO of Doras, a non-governmental human rights organization, which supports the rights of refugees, migrants and those seeking international protection.

The Butler Arms Hotel in Waterville is part of the property portfolio of the Press Up group which has gone into receivership. Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty says she understands there have been developments that give hope to the prospect that the hotel may reopen soon.

Former Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and former Mayor of Tralee, retired Fine Gael councillor Jim Finucane has died at the age of 68. Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris, Minister Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District Norma Moriarty, Cathaoirleach of Castleisland Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District Bobby O’Connell, Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Deputy Michael Cahill and former TD John Brassil paid tribute to him. Mr Finucane’s death was sudden. Just over two weeks ago, he was appointed honorary consul of Ukraine for the south-west region.

Jerry spoke to a dear friend of the social justice campaigner who died yesterday at the age of 86. Like Sr Stan, Mike Joe Fitzgerald is from Lispole but moved to Dublin. They became friends when he owned a bookshop in Dingle.

Last night, the first in a two-part documentary aired on RTÉ about the Irish tracker mortgage scandal which affected more than 40,000 customers who were wrongly overcharged. Jerry spoke the victims’ champion financial advisor Padraic Kissane who’s originally from Lisselton.

A Killarney listener wrote to Jerry about the local property tax, he wrote: “I don’t object to the idea of a property tax, but this tax in its present blunt form is totally immoral and unjust because it takes no account of personal circumstances or ability to pay. I hereby challenge the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, or any government minister to come on your programme, or on any programme, and say that I am wrong.” Separately, Killarney Municipal District Budget meeting yesterday heard that due to the re-valuation of homes, it’s currently expected that there will be an additional €900,000 allocated to the council from the LPT. Cllr Niall Kelleher made some points about how this additional income should be used.

Former Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey has been sentenced to five and a half years for defrauding 22 people out of nearly €400,000 by falsely claiming he had cancer. Jerry spoke to sports journalist Denis Hurley of the Evening Echo and to Amy Molloy, social affairs correspondent for the Irish Independent.

O’Callaghan’s Mills of Clare defeated Abbeydorney by two points in the Munster Intermediate Hurling Quarter-final Championship played in Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday. Limerick’s Knockaderry defeated Kenmare Shamrocks by the same margin in the AIB Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final the previous day. Mike O’Halloran, hurling commentator with Radio Kerry, spoke to Jerry.

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh is CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. He responds to Fáilte Ireland’s latest Tourism Barometer which found 43% of all tourism businesses had reported a fall in income this summer compared with the same period last year.

With over 2.9 billion active unique users around the world, it’s not surprising that many – if not, most of us – are in WhatsApp groups for family, friends, and work. What would you do if something inappropriate was posted in the group chat? Is there anything you can do beyond muting? Joanne Sweeney, CEO of the Digital Training Institute, is an AI and digital marketing specialist gives her advice on what to do and how to lay out ground rules and boundaries for online communities.

The Religious Sisters of Charity announced that the social justice campaigner and advocate for the homelessness died this morning. Born Treasa Kennedy in Lispole on June 19th, 1939, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy – or Sr Stan as she was better known – was a pioneer in the realms of social care and social care. Jerry spoke to Fr Michael Moynihan, parish priest of Dingle, West Kerry councillors Breandán Fitzgerald and Robert Brosnan (the latter is from Lispole), Brian Killoran, former CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and coordinator of the Ukraine Civil Society, and Sr Geraldine of the Religious Sisters of Charity.

The man, formerly known as Price Andrew, no longer has a royal title. King Charles removed his brother’s title because of his connections to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and expelled him from his royal residence. Kristy McFetridge, CEO of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, praised the courage of the late Virginia Giuffre who alleged that Andrew had sexually assaulted her.. If you have been affected you may contact the Kerry Rape and sexual Abuse Centre at www.krsac.com or freephone 1800 633 333

John Stack from Tarbert is Ireland’s youngest Thalidomide survivor and was in Dublin for yesterday’s meeting.         

Revenue is reminding homeowners they need to file their new local property tax valuation by this day week, November 7th. Homeowners have until the end of next week to revalue their property and indicate how much they pay. However, only half a million returns have been filed to date, amid concerns the tax will have soared due to inflation. Many have also not received letters on this and have questions surrounding these payments. Assistant principal in the LPT Branch of Revenue, Sharon Guerin spoke to Jerry.  https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/index.aspx

That’s the claim being made by billionaire John Collision of Stripe who fears this country is being stifled by red tape and can’t keep up with the demand to live, work and invest here. Minister Patrick O’Donovan also believes local authorities should be more transparent in their spending and should be brought before Oireachtas committees to explain their spending. Jerry got the views of Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy from the Tralee Municipal District, Killarney MD’s John O’Donoghue of Kerry Independent Alliance, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Michael Foley of Fine Gael who represents the Listowel MD, and independent councillor for the Kenmare MC, Johnny Healy-Rae.

Every year and on Halloween, fireworks and bonfires cause injuries, fear and damage in communities and stress to pets. Inspector Tim O’Keeffe of An Garda Síochána is advising parents to talk to their children about the dangers of illegal fireworks and how the penalties for possessing them can be serious and long-lasting.