The following is only a selection of the NEWS and projects handled by Upfront PR recently. If you require additional information or an image, please call Orla, Lisa or Chloe on 066 7117704.

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Monday 30th of June
Killarney Racing Festival Launch (meeting 14th to 17th July).
Judges of Dawn Dairies Queen of fashion this year . . . Glamorous Irish Couple, TV Star and Presenter, Brian Ormond and top model, Pippa O'Connor.
Photo call at Killarney Race Course attended by previous winners of the title of DAWN DAIRIES QUEEN OF FASHION. Visit download centre for news release.

Killarney Racing Festival launched with promotion on Ireland AM in association with the Brehon Hotel Killarney the Dawn Dairies. View promo (flash required)

Saturday 21st of June
Invitations to Wed launch new website. One of Irelands most innovative and imaginative wedding stationery companies launched its new website today, profiling its popular Wedding Invitation Collections inspired by the Goddess of Love. invitationstowed.ie is owned and managed by Kerry McAuliffe who personally oversees the individual hand production of each order . . . to perfection.

Monday 26th of May
Kerry Airport today announce 2007 Results.

Kerry Airport has today released their Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st October 2007. Operating Profit from the Airport Operations was €315,868 on a throughput of 387,943 passengers for the year. Final profit after tax amounted to €565,809 - an increase of 18% on the previous year.

Highlights of the Report include:

Revenues fall to EUR6,540,076 due to loss of previous received Revenue Grant.
Profit after Taxation grows by 18% to EUR565,809.
Passenger numbers fell to 387,943 due to withdrawal of Liverpool service.
Concerns on unprecedented rise in energy prices and the effects of same on Airline’s profitability and route expansion plans.

Commenting on the financials and the on-going operations of the Airport for the year Mr. Denis Cregan, Chairman of Kerry Airport:
In general, the result for the year was satisfactory with Earnings Per Share showing an overall growth of 18%. The lost of a previously held Revenue Grant is clearly felt in the fall in Turnover and in the lower Operating Profit. However – we were fortunate to have other income to somewhat offset the effects of this and bring overall profits after tax back to a profit growth year-on-year.

We have seen positive passenger growth throughout the year on the established routes and recent new routes are showing very encouraging passenger load factors. In the coming months, we look forward to progressing our Airport development plans through the Transport 21 Capital Grant Scheme and taking full advantage of the EUR17.7m grant as allocated to us.

Sunday 25th of May
Gillian Gilbourne from Millstreet, County Cork, was declared the Clarion Hotel Best Dressed Lady at the Tralee Races on Sunday 25th of May. Super stylish from head to toe, Gillians cream dress with matching chiffon coat wowed the judges Louise James (Upfront Models), Mary O’Neill (Stylist) and Patrick Dillon, Clarion Hotel Group.

Monday 19th of May
Further to the recent tender process for the operation of the Kerry – Dublin route for the next 3 years starting July 2008 as administered under the Governments Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme, the Department of Transport has awarded the new contract to the airline Ryanair. This route has been operated over the past 6 years (2 x PSO contracts) by Aer Arann who have progressed the services and schedules to their current levels but who were unsuccessful in this current round of tenders.

Commenting on the recent news of the awarding of the contract to Ryanair, Mr. Denis Cregan, Chairman of Kerry Airport

We welcome the arrival of Ryanair on the Kerry –Dublin route and bringing with them a doubling of outbound seats to Dublin to approx 570 seats on a daily basis. The introduction of a Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft with seating capacity for 189 seats will mean a flight time to Dublin of just over 30 minutes. We hope, and indeed feel confident, that they will give the travelling public a top class service. We have an excellent working relationship with Ryanair having worked with them over the past number of years on London Stansted, Frankfurt-Hahn and more recently with our latest route to London – Luton. We would anticipate that the Ryanair pricing policy of seats starting at 99c + taxes will attract the publics attention and look forward to welcoming a whole range of new passengers on this Dublin service. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Aer Arann for operating the service over the past 6 years and compliment them on growing the service to the current passenger levels. We continue to look forward to strengthening our relationship with them as we further develop the current Manchester and Lorient services. We would hope that there may be new opportunities to work together in developing new routes to the UK and Europe over the coming months.

The new arrangement will commence as from the 22nd July 2008 when Ryanair will operate 3 daily flights to Dublin departing Kerry at 0630 hrs, 1400 hrs and 2000 hrs. Passengers who currently have bookings with Aer Arann for travel after 22nd July 2008 will be issued full refunds within the next 7 days. Booking are currently being taken on www.ryanair.com for the new services. Aer Arann is still taking bookings with travel dates up to 21st July on their reservation system www.aerarann.com or through their Call-Centre on 0818 210 210.


Wednesday 14th of May, 2008
The Tralee May Race Meeting will be held on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of May, 2008. Sponsored by Kerry Petroleum Ltd, Barrys Bakery, Ladbrokes Bookmakers, O’Keeffes Marquees and Kerry Group, two days of top quality racing is guaranteed. Racing commences at 1.25pm on Saturday 24th and 2.50pm on Sunday 25th of May. Admission is €15. Children under 14 are free.

Also, especially for the ladies, there will be a on course fashion show profiling what to wear to the races this Summer Season. Presented by Upfront Model Management in association with Ballybeggan Race Company, the show will be held in the Founders Bar at 5pm on Sunday 25th of May. Admission is free. This fashion show will profile the key trends of the Season, from maxis to minis; hats to headpieces; totes to clutches, moccasins to wedges and all the other accessories that make a look ‘a winner all right‘ in the style stakes. Featured boutiques include Anneburys, Tralee; Serenity Boutique, Listowel; La Femme, Castleisland, Carraig Donn, Tralee; Hannons Fashion, Castleisland, Kids are Funk, Milltown, and Debenhams Department Store. There will also be on course fashion previews in the parade ring during the afternoon.

Of course, Sunday is also Ladies Day. Judges - stylist Mary O Neill and Model Agency manager, Louise James, will be out and about on the course from 3pm looking for the most Stylish lady at the races that afternoon. First prize is a two night luxury escape in a four star Clarion Hotel including dinner on one night. The winner will be announced at the fashion show in the Founders Bar at 5.30pm. So if you are serious about your style for this season’s race meetings, mark Sunday 25th of May into your diary.

Racing commenced at Ballybeggan Park Race Course in 1947. There are two racing fixtures this year, the two day May Race Meeting on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of May and the five day August Festival Race Meeting from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd of August.

Thursday 24th of April, 2008
The Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, Co. Kerry, today announced details of their newly opened EUR2.2m Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory. The only Laboratory of its kind in Kerry, the five bed Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory will treat both private patients and patients referred from Kerry General Hospital.

Commenting, Mr. Paul Garnett, Hospital Manager, Bon Secours Tralee:
According to numerous studies Kerry has the highest incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in Ireland. It is our objective that this new Unit will facilitate the early detection and treatment of heart disease in the county, thereby saving lives. The primary focus of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee is on meeting the needs of Kerry’s General Practitioners (GPs) and their patients. We regularly meet with GPs to take soundings on what services are required within the Kerry healthcare system, so as to further enhance our services, and to avoid duplication with other healthcare providers in the County. This process was one of the determining factors when the decision was taken to begin construction of the Unit last November. Prior to the opening of our Catheterisation Laboratory this month, patients were referred to facilities in either Cork or Limerick, usually involving long journeys and delays in appointments. We are delighted to be able to provide this new service in County Kerry and to continue to positively contribute to the health and well being of our community.

The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory will provide the following services; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Angioplasty; Insertion of temporary and permanent pacemakers; insertion of implantable defibrillators; Digital Subtracted Angiography (DSA); insertion of dialysis, oncology and vascular access (VASCATH, PORTCATH devices), Intravascular Ultrasound and Functional Flow reserve studies

The Catheterisation units team is led by Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Louis Keary, assisted by a team of professional staff, including Cardiology Registrar, Clinical Nurse Manager; Staff Nurses, Resuscitation Training Officer, Cardiac Technician, Specialist Radiographer, Care Assistants and household staff. Dr. Louis Keary will be joined by an additional Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Yvonne Symth, in August 2008.

Friday 11th of April, 2008
The inaugural Niall Mellon Township Trust Kerry Gala Banquet, held in the luxurious surroundings of Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee, County Kerry, on Friday 11th of April, raised over EUR40,000.

The black tie charity fund raiser, which sold out all 300 tickets within days of release, was organised by Pearl McGillicuddy, Eddie Barrett, Pauline Barrett, Doireann Barrett and Deirdre Durran. Founder of the NMTT, Niall Mellon, attended and spoke at the Banquet which was Mc’ed by celebrated Kerryman, and broadcaster, Micheal O'Muircheartaigh. As well as a champagne reception, five course banquet and top entertainment, guests had the opportunity to bid for some amazing auction items including an eight night holiday in South Africa, thanks to Slatterys Travel; an night in the opulent penthouse suite of the five star Aghadoe Heights Hotel and a trip for 6 people, including flights and accommodation to the races in Punchestown.

Tuesday 8th of April, 2008
The Quality Resort Killarney today announced details of a host of celebrations and events they have organised to celebrate the arrival of their 500,000th guest - expected later this Summer.

Firstly, every guest who stays in the Quality Resort Killarney this season will be entered into a free draw with the opportunity to win a holiday for a family of 5 (two adults and 3 children) There are five holidays to be won in total! Of course, the actual 500,000th guest will not only be greeted by flashbulbs and bubbles when they check in later this Summer; but they will also receive FIVE family holidays for a family of 5 (two adults and 3 children) over 5 years in the Quality Resort Killarney.

Other events to mark the arrival of their 500,000th guest, include a FAMILY FUN RUN on Sunday 27th of April in aid of the Daisy Chain Foundation and Kerry Cystic Fibrosis Build 4 Life initiative. This 5k run outside Killarney town is open to anyone, from anywhere, who wants to enjoy a little fit fun with the family - and all for two exceptional causes! Plus the Family Fun Run will be led by well known and loved family TV Celebrity, Emma O Driscoll - from the popular Children’s TV programme, Den TV and pop group SIX. Entry Cards are available now from the hotel reception. The Quality Resort Killarney Family Fun Day will also feature lots of FREE prizes for most fun and imaginative outfits, free entertainment by the fabulous Fanzini Bros, face painting, music and more. Further details will be announced on the Quality Resort Hotel Family Fun Run next week.

Monday 7th of April, 2008
Nadur at Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Tralee, County Kerry, was declared as Irelands Best Day Spa’ at the annual Irish Beauty Industry Awards on Sunday night (6th of April). Hosted the IBPA (Irish Beauty Professionals Association), Nadur was one of only 5 Irish Spas to be short listed in this very competitive category. Manager of Nadur, Gina Groves (winner of IBPA Spa Manager of the Year Award 07) and her Spa Supervisor, Aoife Murphy, accepted the Award at the star studded ceremony in the Fitzpatricks Castle Hotel, Killiney, Dublin.

Thursday 13th of March
Today, Killarney developers, Kevin and Tim O Donoghue, Wrightwood Development, announced details of an amazing two for one limited offer. From the 2nd of April to the 23rd of May, anyone who purchases a luxury apartment at their Coll Corran development in the heart of Killarney town, County Kerry, will also be handed the keys of a brand new Nissan car . . . absolutely FREE. For more details on this exceptional offer, or to arrange a viewing please contact Michael Coghlan, Sherry Fitzgerald. Tel: 064 31892 or Mobile: 087 2668591 / or Karina Gallivan Property Partners Gallivan. Tel: 064 34177 or Mobile 087 2945811.

The Coll Corran development is superbly located in close proximity to the Deerpark Shopping Development (Tescos, M&S, Argos, Outlet Centre, etc) and only a short stroll from a wide variety of amenities and the many attractions of Killarney town.

Monday 10th of March
Details were today announced of the third annual Style Secrets luncheon on Saturday 29th of March in the sumptuous surroundings of the five star, Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney, County Kerry. This fabulous, and fun, luncheon has established itself as a firm favourite in the diaries of fashionable ladies everywhere, and, once again, an afternoon of gorgeous glamour and a few giggles with your girl pals, of every age - is guaranteed. This year, the Killarney Park have invited along one of the countries leading fashion designers, Helen Cody, and the founder of Irish fashion site, stylebible.ie, Liz Greehy, to share some insider tips, and maybe a few secrets! The event also includes pre-dinner cocktails, a 4 course luncheon in the Park Restaurant, spot prizes and a goodie bag. Tickets priced at EUR125 are available now from the Killarney Park Hotel. Telephone: 064 35555

Friday 7th of March
Finnolla is TOP Quality Employee!

Finnolla O’ Donoghue, senior receptionist at the Quality Resort Killarney, was announced as the overall winner of the Choice Hotels Ireland Employee of the Year Award at a reception in the Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport recently. Finnolla, from Killarney, has been with the Quality Resort Killarney, since May 2005. She was chosen from over 1,500 employees of Choice Hotels Ireland, and won the award for her dedication to exceptional guest care.

Monday 3rd of March
Today, at a reception in Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Tralee, County Kerry, General Manager, Padraig McGillicuddy announced details of a number of forthcoming events organised to celebrate 50 golden years of warmth and welcome at the hotel. These will include a specially commissioned Commemorative Calendar with images and memories from over 5 decades; a 50’s themed Music & Movies Weekend and a wide range of Guest Special Offers in both the hotel, and its award winning Spa, Nadur. For more information, contact Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee, T: 066 7123322 or visit www.ballygarryhouse.com

Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa,Tralee, County Kerry, first opened its doors in 1958. Over the past 50 years, this four star, luxury hotel has been both owned and managed by three successive generations of the McGillicuddy family - Gene, his son, Owen and his grandson, and current General Manager, Padraig McGillicuddy.

THURSDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
Kerry Airport today officially launched their new website. Featuring extensive information on the Airport facilities and advice on travelling to and from Kerry, the site can be visited on www.kerryairport.ie

Noel Ryan, Marketing Department, Kerry Airport, initiated the development of this new site - with the primary objective of making the user experience more informative, time efficient and enjoyable. Key to the new site, is its easy navigation,  allowing users access to timetables, car hire, local links and transportation details within moments of logging on to kerryairport.ie.  The site was designed by Midpoint Design and developed and overseen by Upfront PR.

TUESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY
Details were announced today of the inaugural Niall Mellon Township Trust Kerry Gala Banquet which will be held in Ballygarry House Hotel on Friday 11th of April, 2008. This black tie charity fund raiser is being organised by Pearl McGillicuddy, Pauline Barrett, Doireann Barrett and Deirdre Durran. All proceeds raised will go directly to the Niall Mellon Township Trust (NMTT) which was established in 2002 to provide homes to the impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa. Tickets are priced at EUR150 each or EUR1,500 for a table of ten and are available by contacting Deirdre Durran on 087 6373000.

Founder of the NMTT, Niall Mellon, will attend and speak at the Banquet which will be Mc ed by celebrated Kerryman, and broadcaster, Micheal O'Muircheartaigh. As well as a champagne reception, five course banquet and top entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to bid for some amazing auction items and it is expected that the evening will raise in the region of EUR45,000 for the Niall Mellon Trust.

THURSDAY 14TH OF FEBRUARY
Love Kerry an innovative, destination focussed brochure produced by the O Donoghue Ring Hotel Group aimed at the Irish home holiday market, was launched at a reception in the Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney, County Kerry on Valentines Day.
Spanning 28 pages, Love Kerry features visually breathtaking images of Kerrys magnificent land and seascapes, world famous golf courses, fun festivals and wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Beautifully illustrated maps are provided, as well as useful information on many Kerry attractions, including Muckross House, the Skelligs, Siamsa Tire and Crag Caves. The Love Kerry brochure also features ideas on mini breaks for Golden Years, Spa escapes, team building and leisure breaks. For more information visit www.odonoghue-ring-hotels.com or telephone Central Reservations: +353 (0) 64 21111

FRIDAY 21ST OF DECEMBER
Kerry Airport announced this week that Aer Arann will operate a new, fourth Kerry / Dublin flight every Sunday from 7th of January 2008. This new flight will depart Dublin (RE 259) at 1030am and arrive in Kerry at 1125am; and then depart from Kerry (RE 258) at 1155am, arriving in Dublin at 1255pm. For bookings visit www.aerarann.com or telephone 0818 210 210.

FRIDAY 7TH OF DECEMBER
Festive & Fabulous Ladies Luncheon
hosted by Diva & Ruby Tralee. Download poster
Auction proceeds to Kerry Christmas Appeal
MC top model and TV personality Andrea Roche.

THURSDAY 8TH OF NOVEMBER
Improbable Frequency, starring local Actress Sarah Jane Drummey opens in Siamsa Tire.

WEDNESDAY 7TH OF NOVEMBER
Celebrity Hair Stylist, Bunny Allen, gives presentations at Molton Brown Spa at Killarney Plaza Hotel.

TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER
Inaugural Ryanair Kerry direct to London Luton

THURSDAY 27TH OF SEPTEMBER
Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, will next month undertake their first national tour since 2003, with their new production Tearmann (Refuge).Tearmann will first tour to the Civic Theatre, Tallaght in Dublin from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th of October. There will be one performance nightly from 8pm and an additional matinee performance on Saturday 27th at 3.00pm.

MONDAY 10TH OF SEPTEMBER
A new and innovative Awards Programme, aimed at inspiring and encouraging Kerrys next generation of entrepreneurs, was officially launched at a photo call in the Institute of Technology, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Spearheaded by well known entrepreneur, Jerry Kennelly, in association with the Institute of Technology Tralee, Tom Crean Centre and Kerry Technology Park, the inaugural Young Entrepreneur Programme & Awards will initially run in participating Secondary Schools and the Institute of Technology Tralee from mid September to May 2008.

The Programme will culminate at an Awards Ceremony in May 2008, when one student will be declared Kerry’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year! In addition to receiving a cheque for €5,000 and a specially commissioned trophy, the true prize could prove to be the lessons learnt - that ultimately inspire the winner to develop as a successful Irish or even global entrepreneur.

SUNDAY 9TH OF SEPTEMBER
The grande finale to the inaugural Dingle Film Festival, the International Shorts Competition, was held at an Awards Ceremony in Benners Hotel Dingle.

Best Short Film 2,000 euros
Winner of the Best Short Film, as decided by acclaimed Director & Producer, Sir Alan Parker
NEW BOY
Directed by Steph Green and produced by Tamara Anghie of Zanzibar Films, Dublin. Based on a short story by Roddy Doyle, this poignant and comedic short film deftly captures the experience of being the new boy in school through the eyes of Joseph, a nine year old African boy. FULL RESULTS VISIT DOWNLOAD CENTRE.

THURSDAY 6TH OF SEPTEMBER
Legendary Director, Sir Alan Parker and Celebrated Actress, Sarah Miles (Ryans Daughter) attend inaugural Dingle Film Festival. Sarah stepped back in time nearly 40 years to relive her role as Rosy Ryan in Ryans Daughter, walking the beach on Inch (where the original scene was filmed in 1969).
For more information visit www.kerryiff.com

WEDNESDAY 5TH OF SEPTEMBER
Pursuit 2 officially opens at Siamsa Tire. In Pursuit 2 features works by Roger Cattermole, Norma Deenihan, Lisa Fingleton, John Holsted, Con Horgan and Kathleen O’Donnell. This is the second part of a series of exhibitions which features the best of contemporary visual arts practice by artists of Kerry. The exhibitions have been curated by Maurice Galway and the selection focuses on artists who work in a consistently innovative way, outside the tradition of representational landscape painting that is such a feature of visual arts in the region.

SATURDAY 25th AUGUST
Karen Brett and her daughter Sarah win Garveys SuperValuBest Dressed Mothers and Daughters Competition at Tralee Festival Races. The Event was judged by TV Star Lorraine Keane, assisted by Caroline McEnery, Garvey Group, Barry Egan, Senior Journalist, Sunday Independent and Paula Lenihan, RSVP Magazine.

THURSDAY 23th AUGUST
The winners of Shaws Best Dressed Lady at Tralee Races are announced as Lynda O Callaghan (overall winner), Mary Stapleton Gillian Kelleher. Lynda won a voucher for EUR800 for Shaws Department Stores.

MONDAY 13TH AUGUST
Kerry Airport becomes the first Airport in Ireland to achieve the Heartsafe Community Award from the Irish Heart Foundation

TUESDAY 7TH AUGUST
Daithi O Se officially launches Tralee Festival Races. The Races will run from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 of August.

WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY
Benners Hotel Tralee re-opens after EUR 8Million Makeover.

MONDAY 13TH AUGUST
Kerry Airport becomes the first Airport in Ireland to achieve the Heartsafe Community Award from the Irish Heart Foundation

TUESDAY 7TH AUGUST
Daithi O Se officially launches Tralee Festival Races

WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY
Benners Hotel Tralee re-opens after EUR 8Million Makeover. Featuring the Deacon Bar, the hotel will also be the Tralee home to the famous Cooperage Restaurant, run by Martin McCormack and Mo Stafford.

THURSDAY 19 JULY
MARILYN MURPHY WINS PRESTIGIOUS DAWN DAIRIES QUEEN OF FASHION COMPETITION. The competition was judged by one of Ireland’s most glamourous and stylish couples, Keith and Lisa Duffy. Marilyn won a fabulous trip for two to New York City. Keith and Lisa were assisted in judging by style icon and model agency owner, Celia Holman Lee.


MONDAY 11 JUNE
Kerry Airport Increases Profit 7.5% in 2006 Results