Issue 2: Electric Boogaloo*

Good Morning and Welcome,

First off, Thanks! To each and every one of you, from the initial 10 I asked to sign up we are now closing in on triple figures through pure word of mouth. Fantastic effort, please keep sharing/gossiping etc to get the word out. Secondly, thanks again to all of you who’ve sent through information on events, hugely appreciated. You can send over anything for inclusion just by replying to the email and there’s a Facebook and Instagram now too if that’s easier.

This week there’s a list of all the candidates running in the upcoming European elections. Reports on a couple of incredible visitors to Valentia through the week, a bit more on the giant cruise ship that holed up in Ballinskelligs Bay for the weekend. Along with the usual rundown of upcoming events and happenings.

South Kerry by the numbers:

• 128.5: The total sunlight hours recorded by Valentia observatory throughout April, the lowest recorded anywhere in Ireland. If May continues the way it’s started, we’ll be top of the league come the end of the month.

• 700 000: Will get you either of the two most expensive properties available in the area on daft.ie

• 7088: The total number of new residents in Kerry between Ukranians and International Protection Applicants.

Can you really call them the Northern Lights if you can see them in Valentia?

Cork photographer Cian Ryan captured this incredible image on Sunday night from Valentia Island. Head over to Instagram and give him a follow. A master of his craft. I’m equal parts in awe of the image, and wonder at what on earth it was I was doing on Sunday evening that I wasn’t looking at this. Cian, fair play to him, has also given an exclusive suggesting there’s a chance of similar tonight, so keep the eyes open. Mighty stuff Cian!

I’ll see your Sky & raise you a Shark

Obviously not content with the sky getting all the attention, the sea made a comeback Wednesday night with this Basking Shark in Valentia Harbour. Beautifully captured by the fine folks of Valentia Car Ferry, which incidentally has extended its operating hours for March, now running till 8pm, 9pm come June, with free wildlife!

Cruise shippin’ on the dock of Ballinskellings Bay

This is the cruise ship Le Boréal catering for up to 254 guests in ‘suites and staterooms’ operated by French company Ponant 8 days on board will set you back approx. €4000. Pic from the ever exceptional Leo Media Creator.

European Election Candidates

The following are our 23 candidates for the upcoming European elections on June 7th. They are competing for 5 seats available in the Ireland South constituency out of the 14 Irish seats in the European parliament. The Ireland South constituency comprises of the counties Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. 4 of the current Ireland MEP’s are seeking reelection, these being Sean Kelly, Grace, O’Sullivan, Mick Wallace & Billy Kelleher.

•  Billy Kelleher Fianna Fáil

• Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil

• Mick Wallace Independents 4 Change

• Seán Kelly Fine Gael

• John Mullins Fine Gael

• Grace O'Sullivan Green Party

• Kathleen Funchion Sinn Féin

• Paul Gavan Sinn Féin

• Niamh Hourigan Labour

• Susan Doyle Social Democrats

• Patrick Murphy Aontu

• Cian Prendiville People Before Profit-Solidarity

• Una McGurk Non-party

• Graham de Barra Non-party

• Christopher Doyle Non-party

• Michael McNamara Non-party

• Lorna Bogue Non-party

• Mary Fitzgibbon Non-party

• Ciaran O'Riordan Non-party

• Eddie Punch Independent Ireland

• Derek Blighe Ireland First

• Ross Lahive Irish People party

• Michael Leahy Irish Freedom Party

Best of the rest;

• Rory O Connor (Rory's Stories) is giving a talk hosted by the South West Kerry Family Resource Centre. Rory will share his journey with mental health in the hope to uplift, inspire and bring positive change (over 15’s). Foilmore Community Centre 066 9481000/ 087 1701520 16th May 7pm

• Kells launch their swim distance buoys 16th May Midday

• Irish artist Dermot McNevin exhibition launch featuring harpist Siobhan Armstrong 11th May @ 6pm at the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre

• Session in Staigue Fort 11th May

• Waterville restaurant OhMaryLoo have started a picnic backpack rental, more details here

• Country star Cliona Hagan brings her Dolly Songbook tour to the Sneem Hotel tomorrow evening, tickets here

Just Announced

• Mountaineering Ireland are running a happy hiking event in Moularostig just beyond Sneem. It’s a great opportunity for anyone new to the hills or those who want to learn the basics of navigation. Tickets here June 6th

• The festival of Wool and Cloth hosted by Tech Amergin, Waterville. Never have I heard of a more wholesome festival! Details to follow

Thanks

Thanks for reading all the way to the end. If you know anyone who needs more festivals of Wool and Cloth in their life send them on this email, they can join below. For those from last week holding out for the Dolly & Mick review, was great value, good fun and compelling, unusually so.

If there’s anything I’ve missed, you’d like to contribute or think should be covered, just hit reply.

*The title, sorry I couldn’t resist.

Good luck, be well

Dave

southkerryoracle.ie