Issue 98. Seems ages since we've had a vote, doesn't it?

ICE, PARADES, GERMANS, COFFEE

March 13, 2026

Good Afternoon and Welcome,

To issue No.98. By the time we make 3 figures I’ll be back to mornings, maybe.

South Kerry by the numbers

  • 6,864: People, between 18-44 years of age are waiting to buy their own home in the Kenmare Electoral Area.

  • 43.6: Years to wait until housing supply meets demand at the current build rate.

  • 158: New homes, on average, are built per year.

  • 27,161: Is the current population.

All figures courtesy of onemillionhomes.ie

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

First up, a look back

Artificial Artists Impression

I was fascinated this week to learn of the German war plane that crash landed in Mastergeehy on St. Stephen’s Day in 1941. There is an article about it in this week’s Kerryman, but unfortunately, that’s behind a paywall online. The Germans who crashed did not find themselves amongst a hostile local population. Quite the opposite, they were so welcomed, they were celebrated in song. Thanks once again to the fountain of all things local history Tom Horgan, and the excellent resource that is binneas.ie.

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

We return to our last reader submission (thanks again Elizabeth) which I’ve made a bit easier for you. Where is it?

Congratulations to last week’s winners

  • Kathy 

  • Herself

  • Teresa Walsh 

Well done to these three for correctly identifying it was Waterville/smugglers/golf links/inny beach/strand. Or whatever it is actually called. Anyone have an official verdict on this? Just hit reply.

Auntie Agnes’ Angle

Dear Reader

The news has become a very difficult landscape to navigate. Is it news at all I hear you ask? I know the main feelings I am left with is fear and anger. And I struggle between wanting to know what is going on in the world and not wanting to watch the news at all.
I ask what can I really do in the midst of all this chaos.


And what I find helpful is developing and sticking to a routine, sticking to a regular schedule helps my body & brain know I’m safe. This keeps me grounded. Steady so I can be there for myself, my family, my friends & my community.
I can be more open hearted and kind. And the world needs more of this rooted kindness to each other.


Another support is nature - get outside, allow nature to ease the stress.
What are your supports?
Let’s start a rooted movement, staying grounded to stay kind! So we can generate hope - I want to be clear, hope is not denying what is happening. It’s an activist movement.
Are you with me? 💪 

Thanks Agnes, great to have you back!

The Oracle Cartoon

This week, Tim oozes empathy for our fearless(?) leaders’ precarious position.

Thanks Tim, my new favourite cartoon.

Best Coffee in South Kerry

Some of you may be, quite rightfully, thinking, can he really start another poll having not even given out the trophy for best pint in South Kerry 2025? He can of course.

There may be some surprising inclusions & omissions on this list as it stands. For omissions, please add any you feel deserve to be added. For inclusions, let it be known that Dalys in Waterville have the best Mocha around. Pillar of the community, Geoff Bates & myself have been carrying out an ongoing weekly taste test for the majority of the decade and it has no peer. Or does it?

Everything Else

  • St. Patricks day Tuesday, will you parade your way around South Kerry? Ballinskelligs at midday, Sneem 1pm, Cahersiveen 2pm & Waterville 4pm

  • You can balance the celebrations by cleaning Waterville beach with Sea Synergy at 10am the following day.

  • Quiz league round 2 at The Anchor tonight, 8pm.

  • Trad tonight with women of the island(apologies if that’s an awful translation) more here

  • Cahersiveens quiz league returns next Friday. more here

  • Paulie O’Brien plays The Villa, Waterville Sunday night

  • There’s music all weekend in Mike Murts more here

  • Cafe Cois Tra & O’Carrolls Cove are both officially back open for business

  • Men’s Singles Darts Competition in Rosie’s tonight, more here

Thanks

For reading.

Thanks to Tim & Agnes & Tom.

Magnets. I’ve not forgotten, I’m just very bad at remembering.

Happy Mother’s Day to all applicable, but especially to the Oracles most committed spellchecker, my Mum.

Good luck, be well. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Dave