Community
KERRY Airport was officially opened on Saturday 30th August 1969 by the then Minister for Transport and Power, Brian Lenihan TD, and 50 years on the vision of its founding fathers has been realised in the shape of a successful and respected international airport.
More than half a century on from that occasion, modern passengers continue to be served by regular and seasonal flights from Kerry to London, Manchester, Frankfurt-Hahn, Dublin, Alicante, Faro and Brittany.
Kerry Airport has been at the heart of the community in the Kingdom for over 50 years and we are proud to support local sporting and charitable organisations in the county.
Pieta - Kerry Airport Charity Partner
THE wellbeing of passengers is a priority for our airport and when immersed every day in tourists enjoying our beautiful county it can be easy to lose sight of those; often male, often farmers, often struggling with small businesses, often battling existing mental health issues without support who increasingly find themselves marginalised and isolated in rural Ireland.
In choosing Pieta as our charity partner since 2020, Kerry Airport has rightly identified with an organisation equally concerned about this increasing marginalisation of rural Ireland and the isolation many feel as population centres and opportunities for social interaction shift relentlessly into urban centres.
Pieta has a dedicated team working in Kerry to support people and communities in crisis by providing freely accessible, professional services to all who may be affected by suicide.
Business Wall In Departures Lounge
THE generosity of Kerry-based companies towards Pieta has almost doubled since 2021 as the number of local businesses to put their name on the Open for Business Wall at Kerry Airport increased to 45 in 2023 with more to be added over the coming months.
We’ve been reminded over recent three years that resilience and a sense of community are essential for our mental wellbeing. The Open for Business Wall in the Departures Hall at Kerry Airport began with 26 local companies making donations to Pieta. They each shared concerns for the increasing marginalisation of rural Ireland and the isolation many feel as population centres and opportunities for social interaction shift relentlessly into urban centres.
We were proud to unveil the updated wall in March 2023 with 20 additional companies who also support Pieta and are proud to promote Kerry as a wonderful place in which to work and live.
Pieta’s services, which are free of charge, provide a lifeline to so many families and individuals across Kerry. With the support of businesses and the wider community, they have been able to provide support through their Training & Education Team, via the Amber Flag and Resilience Program to over 5500 students in Kerry, across 33 Schools in 2023. Pieta have publicly thanked the businesses that have supported the Kerry Airport Business Wall.
Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern, Fred McDonogh, Managing Director of Red Chair Recruitment, Killarney and Chris Fitzgerald, Proprietor of Slógadh Signs, Killorglin have driven the campaign since 2021 to raise awareness of the many job opportunities that exist in Kerry.
THE generosity of Kerry-based companies towards Pieta has almost doubled since 2021 as the number of local businesses to put their name on the Open for Business Wall at Kerry Airport increased to 45 in 2023 with more to be added over the coming months.
We’ve been reminded over recent three years that resilience and a sense of community are essential for our mental wellbeing. The Open for Business Wall in the Departures Hall at Kerry Airport began with 26 local companies making donations to Pieta. They each shared concerns for the increasing marginalisation of rural Ireland and the isolation many feel as population centres and opportunities for social interaction shift relentlessly into urban centres.
We were proud to unveil the updated wall in March 2023 with 20 additional companies who also support Pieta and are proud to promote Kerry as a wonderful place in which to work and live.
Pieta’s services, which are free of charge, provide a lifeline to so many families and individuals across Kerry. With the support of businesses and the wider community, they have been able to provide support through their Training & Education Team, via the Amber Flag and Resilience Program to over 5500 students in Kerry, across 33 Schools in 2023. Pieta have publicly thanked the businesses that have supported the Kerry Airport Business Wall.
Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern, Fred McDonogh, Managing Director of Red Chair Recruitment, Killarney and Chris Fitzgerald, Proprietor of Slógadh Signs, Killorglin have driven the campaign since 2021 to raise awareness of the many job opportunities that exist in Kerry.
Kerry FC – Lead Sponsor
Kerry Airport is proud to be the lead sponsor of Kerry Football Club since its foundation in 2023 with our logo appearing on the front of all the players’ kits.
The club captured the imagination of local soccer fans during the first season in the SSE Airtricity First Division commanding loyal support right until the final whistle. Kerry FC, with the Senior and Academy squads, is succeeding in its goal to elevate the profile of soccer in the county to a new level while giving talented players an opportunity to shine. At Kerry Airport, we recognise the crucial role that sport plays in bringing communities together either through playing, coaching or attending matches. We are proud to play our part and we are looking forward to working closely with Kerry FC in the months ahead.
See www.kerryfc.com
Kerry Airport is proud to be the lead sponsor of Kerry Football Club since its foundation in 2023 with our logo appearing on the front of all the players’ kits.
The club captured the imagination of local soccer fans during the first season in the SSE Airtricity First Division commanding loyal support right until the final whistle. Kerry FC, with the Senior and Academy squads, is succeeding in its goal to elevate the profile of soccer in the county to a new level while giving talented players an opportunity to shine. At Kerry Airport, we recognise the crucial role that sport plays in bringing communities together either through playing, coaching or attending matches. We are proud to play our part and we are looking forward to working closely with Kerry FC in the months ahead.
Kerry Airport – proud sponsors of Kerry Area Basketball Board
Basketball – in clubs and schools – is at the heart of so many towns and villages in Kerry.
Over 300 teams participate in the Kerry Airport League, Cup and Plate competitions throughout the basketball season in Kerry.
Hundreds of people play, coach and coordinate games, camps and activities from Ballybunion to Caherciveen, from Kenmare to Dingle, from Farranfore to Glenbeigh.
Most of these wonderful people are volunteers who invest so much time and energy year after year for the love of the sport and to ensure that youngsters have a healthy social outlet.
We are proud to play our part and we are looking forward to working closely with KABB in promoting and developing the sport at club level into the future.
Basketball – in clubs and schools – is at the heart of so many towns and villages in Kerry.
Over 300 teams participate in the Kerry Airport League, Cup and Plate competitions throughout the basketball season in Kerry.
Hundreds of people play, coach and coordinate games, camps and activities from Ballybunion to Caherciveen, from Kenmare to Dingle, from Farranfore to Glenbeigh.
Most of these wonderful people are volunteers who invest so much time and energy year after year for the love of the sport and to ensure that youngsters have a healthy social outlet.
We are proud to play our part and we are looking forward to working closely with KABB in promoting and developing the sport at club level into the future.
Farranfore Maine Valley AC St Stephen’s Day 5K and 2K Runs
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year at Kerry Airport with families and friends either returning home to meet loved ones or travelling abroad for that same reason. Sitting around the table for Christmas dinner is a wonderful experience for many, while others look forward to getting out on St Stephens Day to run-off the excess pounds that the festivities may bring.
In recent years, we have supported the annual St Stephen’s Run organised by our friends and neighbours in the Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club. Hundreds of people come together, whatever the weather, to race or walk while catching up with familiar faces or making new acquaintances.
We are proud to support this event which has been a major part of the Christmas tradition in our community and the surrounding area for over 60 years.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year at Kerry Airport with families and friends either returning home to meet loved ones or travelling abroad for that same reason. Sitting around the table for Christmas dinner is a wonderful experience for many, while others look forward to getting out on St Stephens Day to run-off the excess pounds that the festivities may bring.
In recent years, we have supported the annual St Stephen’s Run organised by our friends and neighbours in the Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club. Hundreds of people come together, whatever the weather, to race or walk while catching up with familiar faces or making new acquaintances.
We are proud to support this event which has been a major part of the Christmas tradition in our community and the surrounding area for over 60 years.
Kerry Airport shows Green & Gold Spirit to Charter Flight Home for Kingdom Hurlers
KERRY Airport Ireland chartered a flight to bring the county’s senior hurling team, management and officials home from Dublin after the Joe McDonagh Cup Final in June 2022.
Having qualified for the decider, the squad were unable to secure affordable accommodation in Dublin and as a result were being forced to travel down by road after the full-time whistle.
They had booked a one-way flight to Dublin with Ryanair but the timings of the game and the return flight clashed. Instead of facing into a five-hour bus journey to Kerry, we stepped in to sponsor a charter 72-seater Emerald Airlines plane to bring everyone home. They may not have brought the cup home but everyone involved in the panel had some peace of mind to focus on the final against Antrim.
KERRY Airport Ireland chartered a flight to bring the county’s senior hurling team, management and officials home from Dublin after the Joe McDonagh Cup Final in June 2022.
Having qualified for the decider, the squad were unable to secure affordable accommodation in Dublin and as a result were being forced to travel down by road after the full-time whistle.
They had booked a one-way flight to Dublin with Ryanair but the timings of the game and the return flight clashed. Instead of facing into a five-hour bus journey to Kerry, we stepped in to sponsor a charter 72-seater Emerald Airlines plane to bring everyone home. They may not have brought the cup home but everyone involved in the panel had some peace of mind to focus on the final against Antrim.
Kerry Airport Creates Virtual Kerry Ryder Cup Course
IMAGINE if the Ryder Cup was played in Kerry, home to some of the best golf courses in the world, it would be difficult to choose one venue for the biennial battle between Europe and the United States.
Kerry Airport Ireland has come up with a solution by asking former professional golfer Graham Spring from Tralee to combine 18 holes from around the county to create the perfect Kerry Ryder Cup Course.
With Ryder Cup fever set to grip the region in 2027 when the competition is played at Adare Manaor, Co. Limerick, Graham compiled a collection of Par 5s, 4s and 3s in Kerry worthy of Ryder Cup status.
Memorable holes in Waterville, Tralee, Ballybunion, Killeen and O’Mahony’s Point in Killarney, Dooks, Castlegregory and Dingle have all made the cut to feature in Graham’s Perfect Ryder Cup Course.
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world which is famous for its scenery, hospitality and achievements in the world of sport. The Irish Open has been staged in Kerry on five occasions so far and hopefully a sixth in Waterville in a few years from now. Graham Spring knows the value of golf to the tourism industry in Kerry. He has drawn from his playing experience and his knowledge of the magnificent courses in the county to produce the perfect Wild Atlantic Kerry Ryder Cup Course.
Graham represented Ireland at amateur level, became the first Kerry man to compete in the British Open in 1998 and he is a member of the Club Managers Association of Europe.
Following are the 18 holes chosen by Graham Spring in February 2020:
- Tralee Golf Club – 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 12th Holes
- Waterville Golf Links – 2nd, 3rd, 14th, 17th and 18th Holes
- Ceann Sibéal Dingle Links – 9th Hole
- Castlegregory – 8th Hole
- Dooks Golf Club – 5th Hole
- Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) – 11th, 15th and 17th Holes
- Killeen Course, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – 8th and 17th Holes
- O’Mahony’s Point, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – 18th Hole
Videos of each of the holes can be seen on the Kerry Airport Ireland social media platforms.
The series was conceived, edited and produced by John Drummey and the drone footage was filmed by Domnick Walsh Photography with thanks to the cooperation of the management and staff at each of the golf courses.
Kerry Airport is grateful to Graham Spring, the production team and the golf clubs who brought this project to life and we hope that it will attract more golfers to Kerry to play their virtual Ryder Cup while also experiencing all the hospitality that the Kingdom has to offer.
IMAGINE if the Ryder Cup was played in Kerry, home to some of the best golf courses in the world, it would be difficult to choose one venue for the biennial battle between Europe and the United States.
Kerry Airport Ireland has come up with a solution by asking former professional golfer Graham Spring from Tralee to combine 18 holes from around the county to create the perfect Kerry Ryder Cup Course.
With Ryder Cup fever set to grip the region in 2027 when the competition is played at Adare Manaor, Co. Limerick, Graham compiled a collection of Par 5s, 4s and 3s in Kerry worthy of Ryder Cup status.
Memorable holes in Waterville, Tralee, Ballybunion, Killeen and O’Mahony’s Point in Killarney, Dooks, Castlegregory and Dingle have all made the cut to feature in Graham’s Perfect Ryder Cup Course.
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world which is famous for its scenery, hospitality and achievements in the world of sport. The Irish Open has been staged in Kerry on five occasions so far and hopefully a sixth in Waterville in a few years from now. Graham Spring knows the value of golf to the tourism industry in Kerry. He has drawn from his playing experience and his knowledge of the magnificent courses in the county to produce the perfect Wild Atlantic Kerry Ryder Cup Course.
Graham represented Ireland at amateur level, became the first Kerry man to compete in the British Open in 1998 and he is a member of the Club Managers Association of Europe.
Following are the 18 holes chosen by Graham Spring in February 2020:
- Tralee Golf Club – 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 12th Holes
- Waterville Golf Links – 2nd, 3rd, 14th, 17th and 18th Holes
- Ceann Sibéal Dingle Links – 9th Hole
- Castlegregory – 8th Hole
- Dooks Golf Club – 5th Hole
- Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) – 11th, 15th and 17th Holes
- Killeen Course, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – 8th and 17th Holes
- O’Mahony’s Point, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – 18th Hole
Videos of each of the holes can be seen on the Kerry Airport Ireland social media platforms.
The series was conceived, edited and produced by John Drummey and the drone footage was filmed by Domnick Walsh Photography with thanks to the cooperation of the management and staff at each of the golf courses.
Kerry Airport is grateful to Graham Spring, the production team and the golf clubs who brought this project to life and we hope that it will attract more golfers to Kerry to play their virtual Ryder Cup while also experiencing all the hospitality that the Kingdom has to offer.
Killarney Athletic Football Club
Kerry Airport not only supports the county team at the dizzy heights of the SSE Airtricity League, but it recognises the players who are at the grassroots of the sport in Kerry. Killarney Athletic Football Club proudly wears the Kerry Airport logo on the front of its jersey.
The club was founded in 1965, a few years before the first flights took off from Kerry Airport.
As the women’s game continues to grow in Ireland, Kerry Airport believe it is crucial that regional clubs open opportunities at grassroots to embrace female football and grow the game at a local level and we are very excited with the programme and encouragement being offered by Killarney Athletic AFC at both Academy and Under-Age level for girls of all abilities. We are delighted to support a club that has actively contributed to Kerry soccer providing officers for both leagues.
Kerry Airport not only supports the county team at the dizzy heights of the SSE Airtricity League, but it recognises the players who are at the grassroots of the sport in Kerry. Killarney Athletic Football Club proudly wears the Kerry Airport logo on the front of its jersey.
The club was founded in 1965, a few years before the first flights took off from Kerry Airport.
As the women’s game continues to grow in Ireland, Kerry Airport believe it is crucial that regional clubs open opportunities at grassroots to embrace female football and grow the game at a local level and we are very excited with the programme and encouragement being offered by Killarney Athletic AFC at both Academy and Under-Age level for girls of all abilities. We are delighted to support a club that has actively contributed to Kerry soccer providing officers for both leagues.
Kerry International Film Festival
Kerry Airport is the title sponsor of the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) which takes place towards the end of October each year.
After all, Kerry Airport has been in the movies! The airport was one of the locations for the movie Joyride starring Oscar winning actress, Olivia Coleman and written by Tralee woman Ailbhe Keogan.
Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender has also been known to travel through Kerry Airport on his way home to Fossa.
A common goal of both Kerry Airport and KIFF is the promotion of Kerry on a global scale, and this has played a significant role in the development of this collaboration.
The Kerry International Film Festival is a highlight of any calendar. The benevolent and lasting relationship between the arts and County Kerry is one which is acclaimed all over the globe. In particular, the film industry. Remember when Jimmy Stewarts’ Charles Lindbergh finally spots land, Skellig Michael and the Iveragh Peninsula, a historic event in aviation and experienced by us all through the wonders of Film. Thus, how could Kerry Airport resist the opportunity to partner with KIFF and with them celebrate both renowned and emerging talent in their craft.
The filmmaking industry in Ireland has become an important business for the Irish economy, KIFF and Kerry Airport are proud to work together to showcase the filmmaking talent and stunning scenery our wonderful country has to offer.
See www.kerryfilmfestival.com
Kerry Airport is the title sponsor of the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) which takes place towards the end of October each year.
After all, Kerry Airport has been in the movies! The airport was one of the locations for the movie Joyride starring Oscar winning actress, Olivia Coleman and written by Tralee woman Ailbhe Keogan.
Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender has also been known to travel through Kerry Airport on his way home to Fossa.
A common goal of both Kerry Airport and KIFF is the promotion of Kerry on a global scale, and this has played a significant role in the development of this collaboration.
The Kerry International Film Festival is a highlight of any calendar. The benevolent and lasting relationship between the arts and County Kerry is one which is acclaimed all over the globe. In particular, the film industry. Remember when Jimmy Stewarts’ Charles Lindbergh finally spots land, Skellig Michael and the Iveragh Peninsula, a historic event in aviation and experienced by us all through the wonders of Film. Thus, how could Kerry Airport resist the opportunity to partner with KIFF and with them celebrate both renowned and emerging talent in their craft.
The filmmaking industry in Ireland has become an important business for the Irish economy, KIFF and Kerry Airport are proud to work together to showcase the filmmaking talent and stunning scenery our wonderful country has to offer.
See www.kerryfilmfestival.com
Farranfore National School
We were delighted that some of the pupils from Farranfore National School took part in the event to welcome international tour operators to Kerry for the first Meitheal Conference after the Covid pandemic.
They waved the Irish flag and formed a guard of honour for the 300 delegates after arriving at Kerry Airport on a sunny spring morning.
The children have often come to see how the airport operates and to enjoy the spectacular view of the runway from the Air Traffic Control tower.
Glenbeigh Glencar Cromane U15 Football Panel
We were simply happy to make sure they were all well fed and watered before boarding the flight to Luton. Pictured with Players and mentors were Paudie Clifford Kerry Football Captain and John Mulhern, CEO, Kerry Airport.
We were simply happy to make sure they were all well fed and watered before boarding the flight to Luton. Pictured with Players and mentors were Paudie Clifford Kerry Football Captain and John Mulhern, CEO, Kerry Airport.
