Kerry Today

Jerry spoke to Catherine Casey who's general manager of ADAPT Kerry Women’s Refuge.

Jerry spoke to Archdeacon of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe Simon Lumby, Rector of Killarney, and Tim Dennehy, singer-songwriter.

Jerry spoke to Davin Godfrey, who was a patient at the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Jerry spoke to Aisling Ní Néill, assistant director of nursing at University Hospital Kerry, about the generous donations that have been made to the hospital by many groups and individuals. This includes members of Kerry's Traveller community who gave toys to children in the Cashel Ward.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan, with the responsibility of Regional Chief Superintendent for the Southern Region, spoke to David Nelligan.

The recipients of this year’s Fexco Kerry Heroes awards have been announced. Over the last month listeners to Radio Kerry were invited to nominate the individuals or groups they considered made them proudest to be from the county over the past year. The eight recipients received awards which are sponsored by Fexco and created by dsigns of Tralee. Forbairt na Dromoda Teo, a community social enterprise in the Iveragh Gaeltacht, saved the local shop and pub, when the group bought The Inny Tavern and foodstore, thereby providing a vital social space for the community. Dingle Coast Guard volunteers were honoured for their dedication, bravery and commitment to safety. Lisselton’s Padraic Kissane, a financial advisor, confronted the banks and made them face up to their role in the tracker mortgage scandal, which led to over €1 billion in refunds and compensation to home owners. Jerh O’Donoghue founded the Social Action Group in Rathmore in 1975 to give young people an opportunity to become involved and help their community. The group’s achievements include developing a day care centre, meals on wheels, and raising over a quarter-of-a-million euro to help those in developing nations. The Kerry senior football team and management were also chosen for winning the All-Ireland and bringing Sam Maguire back to the Kingdom. Killarney’s Seán O’Sullivan saved his son, Seán Óg’s life when the 24-year-old collapsed and had a cardiac arrest last April. Sean Senior is now an advocate for widespread CPR training. Anthony O’Carroll from Ballyduff is honoured for his courage and hard work after a life-changing motor bike injury, which had left him with multiple and complex fractures as well as a brain injury. His mother Mary describes him as a warrior. Marian Barnes is recognised for her work in founding Recovery Haven, to support people diagnosed with and recovering from cancer.

In June, Jacqui Browne from Tralee and Fenit, disability rights advocate and campaigner, passed away. Jacqui was born with physical disabilities as a result of the drug Thalidomide. Jerry spoke to her sister Sharon Browne, GP and advocate Dr Austin O’Carroll who lives with the effects of Thalidomide, and Damien Walshe, CEO of Independent Living Movement Ireland.

This evening, GAA-Réabhlóid Shóisialta, airs on TG4 at 7.45pm. Jerry spoke to AnnaMay O’Connor Mullins, producer and co-director of the documentary, and two members from Kerry’s Golden Era, Jimmy Deenihan and Mickey Ned O’Sullivan. Separately, Jimmy Deenihan, as a former Fine Gael minister, pays tribute to the late Gerard Lynch, who was former Fine Gael TD for North Kerry.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald has received several calls from people who are frightened at the speed of some motorists.

Jerry spoke to the Kerry Sinn Féin TD whose argument that it was unconstitutional for so-called ‘super junior’ ministers be present at Cabinet meetings was rejected by the High Court. Jerry also asked him for his views on the statement by the CEO of the HSE that the process to fire public sector workers, who are not performing, should be speeded up. Pa Daly also outlined why he believes there needs to be a new public building for Tralee.

Killarney man, James Cahill, who says he owes his life to Kerry Mountain Rescue Team following an horrendous fall on Bothar na Gíge (the Zig Zags) while descending Carrauntoohil in July 2016. James was treated at the scene by KMRT and airlifted to University Hospital Kerry by Rescue 115. James sustained horrific injuries that left him paralysed on his right side. That followed several months of treatment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, with constant support from his wife Carmel and their families.  He’s organising a fundraiser for KMRT on Saturday, December 27th

Former Cork TD, Senator, and councillor, Máirín Quill, who was born and raised in Kilgarvan, has passed away at age 89. Independent councillor in Kenmare Dan McCarthy paid tribute to her

The Rosary Wheel has been taking the market by storm. This is a steering wheel cover designed to guide users through praying the Rosary while driving safely. Helen Drumm is selling The Rosary Wheel in Sound Quality in Monaghan

The Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) has been responding to recent developments in European short-term rental (STR) regulation. CEO of the ISCF Maire Ní Mhurchú spoke to Jerry about the developments and explained what they mean

John Downing is back for this week’s Call from the Dáil to discuss all that happened in Dáil Éireann.

Irish Farmers' Association Kerry chair Jason Fleming spoke to Jerry about the Mercosur Deal and he wants MEPS and the Government to lobby strongly against the Mercosur Deal.

Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty about the opening of the South Kerry Greenway this weekend.

How the billionaire’s battle with the US-based construction magnate Maurice Regan from North Kerry resulted in John Magnier losing a High Court case over the sale of a large country estate in Tipperary. Jerry spoke to Mark Tighe, journalist of the Sunday Independent.

Road safety groups are condemning the reversal of the Government’s plans to scrap the Road Safety Authority. Jerry spoke to Dr Vinnie Wall, Cork Cycling Campaign.

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

Ashling was 23-years-old when she was murdered in January 2022 while out on the Grand Canal bank near Tullamore. Her murder shocked the country. But Ashling should be remembered for how she lived – a teacher who loved her work and was a gifted musician who had a great passion for the Irish language. Ashling’s family set up the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund to raise money for causes she believed in. The Gaeltacht scholarship funds the attendance of second-level students at Coláiste Chamuis, Co Galway. Jerry spoke to Laura Murray, Ashling’s friend and PRO of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund. https://www.facebook.com/p/Ashling-Murphy-Memorial-Fund-100088692537891/

Fianna Fáil’s report into its disastrous presidential campaign was published yesterday followed by the party’s special meeting to discuss its findings and the role of its leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the debacle. Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy, to party deputy for Kerry Michael Cahill, and to Fianna Fáil’s other Kerry TD Norma Foley. He also spoke to Norma Foley in her capacity as Minister for Children about the action plans for the early learning and care and also childcare for school-age children.

Jerry spoke to Sinn Féin councillor Robert Brosnan who represents the Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District.

Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is calling for a Christmas crackdown on drug drivers as numbers in our district court system soar nationally. Jerry also asked her about the tension in her party over the likely imminent publication into Fianna Fáil’s disastrous presidential campaign.

Next month, the Government was due to withdraw funding for medication blister packs issued by pharmacies. However, this withdrawal has now been delayed. Jerry spoke to Sheila Nolan from Knocknagoshel, who relies on her pharmacist preparing the packs for her medication.

Robert Pierse from Listowel is the grand-nephew of Michael Collins. He wrote a letter of support and solidarity to President Zelenskyy and his wife Olena. Robert suggests everyone should send a letter or Christmas card to the Zelenskyys. Jerry also spoke to Maureen Finnegan from Newcastle West who arranges for non-perishable food and other items to be sent to Ukraine. People can drop off items to Castleisland Community Museum on the town’s Main Street. http://www.mainevalleypost.com/2025/07/19/castleisland-community-museum-a-drop-off-point-in-ukraine-war-appeal/

Electricity users will face price increases next year of up to €1.75 per month on bills to pay for a major upgrade to the national grid, which could cost almost €19bn. Jerry spoke to Dr. Paul Deane, who is a senior lecturer in clean energy futures at University College Cork (UCC) and a researcher at the MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine.

That’s the title of an event taking place this evening at 8 o’clock at the River Island Hotel, Castleisland. A Christmas Compendium is organised by Castleisland District Heritage. One of the speakers is Professor Bill Storey whose great-grandfather was murdered during the War of Independence while stationed as an RIC officer in Castleisland. The American academic has published a new book about the British imperialist Cecil Rhodes. Jerry spoke to Professor Storey and to Johnnie Roche of Castleisland District Heritage.

Fianna Fáil councillor Breandán Fitzgerald has made the plea at a recent meeting of the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District for Kerry County Council to install commemorative manhole covers in West Kerry.

Valentia Coast Guard and Rescue Helicopter 115 were on the scene at Binn Bán beach near Dingle Lighthouse after a fishing boat got into difficulty yesterday. Jerry spoke to John Draper, divisional controller of the Irish Coast Guard, Frank Heidkte, officer-in-charge with Dingle Coast Guard, and Nuala Moore, who witnessed the rescue.

Treasa spoke to Catherine Carty, who is the newly-appointed Chair of the Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership.

Last night in Edenderry, a vigil was held for four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt, who were tragically killed when their home was the subject of an arson attack over the weekend. Treasa spoke to Liam White of Midlands 103, who attended the vigil.

Over 90% of respondents to a survey who gave birth at UHK had a good to very good overall experience of maternity care, according to the results of a new survey by the Health Information and Quality Authority. Treasa spoke to Conor Foley, HIQA’s Programme Manager of the National Care Experience Programme.

Treasa spoke to Ireland South MEP, Kilcummin man Sean Kelly about the US government's plan to require five years of social media data for US visa applicants. The plan has gone out to public consultation in the US.

Kerry County Council road safety officer, Declan Keogh, has won a special recognition award at the Road Safety Awards for the Safer Roads Road Safety Conference, which took place in Killarney earlier this year. He spoke to Treasa.

The Irish Nurses’ and Midwives’ Organisation will hold a lunch-time protest at Valentia Community Hospital today, Thursday 11th December 2025, over a pay dispute for nurses in the care facility. Treasa spoke to INMO official for Valentia Community Hospital, Kathryn Courtney.

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

FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) held their annual justice lecture at King’s Inns this week. The event also marked the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell. Colm Ó Cinnéide, who’s professor of constitutional and human rights law at University College London, delivered this year’s lecture which was preceded by a reading from O’Connell’s speeches by the actor Stephen Rea.

People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger spoke to Jerry about her bill to ban fox-hunting.

Kerry Local Community Safety Partnership, the organisation which has replaced the joint policing committee for Kerry, has announced that Cllr Niall Kelleher is its new chairperson.

Jerry spoke to Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald about why he is opposed to the upcoming Dáil vote to ban fox hunting.

Jerry spoke to Shane Scanlan, CEO of The Alliance - Supporting Nursing Homes, about the reopening of Ocean View Nursing Home in Camp.

Jerry spoke to Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment and to the Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien.

Killarney woman Jessie Buckley has received a Golden Globe nomination. The Oscar-nominated actor stars in Hamnet with Paul Mescal who’s also nominated for a Golden Globe. Jerry spoke to Jessie’s father Tim.

Jerry spoke to communications officer with Kerry County Council Owen O’Shea, about the levels of precautions we must take during Storm Bram. If you need to report storm damage that may cause danger such as debris on roads, you may call Kerry County Council on 066 7183588.