Thirteen 2013 hopes for

Mike O’Sullivan, chairman of Killarney Swimming Club New Year’s resolution? “A lot of it would be in terms of keeping fit.” Wish for 2013? “I’d like to see the tide of emigration cease. It really hits home to me when I hear of whole families emigrating. It’s one thing to see young people going but when you hear of families having to up sticks and go, I really think that society and communities are being badly affected.” Johnny O’Connor, Killorglin New Year’s resolution? “Drink less and lose a bit of weight!” Wish for 2013? “The main thing is that the economy would improve and that more jobs would be created. The other thing is that a lot of our young people would be able to come home again.” John Kelly, Killarney New Year’s resolution? “I’d like to lose a few stone, get a bit fitter and play a bit more golf if the weather allows it!” Wish for 2013? “We need to create more employment locally. That is badly needed, to bring our young people home. That would be my main wish for 2013.” Mayor of Killarney, Seán O’Grady New Year Resolution: “I am resolved to working with the authorities at Kerry General to bring about a fair and just charge for parking.” Wish for 2013? “I’d like to see the government stop bailing out bankers.” Publican Michael Finucane New Year resolution: “To keep one step in front of the posse! Wish for 2013: “We have great hopes that the Shannon LNG project will get good news in 2013. A lot of young lads are hoping to come back for work in building the plant.” Mike Buckley, President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce New Year Resolution: “I don’t really make any resolutions.” Wish for 2013? “Hopefully, a decent tourism season in Killarney as this is hugely important for the town.” John Lenihan, hill runner New Year resolution: “For a man who has spent the last two months on crutches after a hip operation I’m keen to get walking/hiking again.” Wish for 2013: “I’ll be quite happy to get out hiking on the hills and mountains.” Hotelier John Brennan New Year Resolution: “I intend to concentrate on our hotels to ensure we meet challenging times ahead.” Wish for 2013: “I would like us to look at the way we sell Ireland. We have come on 100% in the last decade but, recently, we’ve lost our self confidence.” Fr Pat Moore, Duagh Parish Priest New Year resolution: “To remain as optimistic as possible. The longer we stay in the present moment the more acceptable our circumstances become. We are given the ability to cope with all situations, provided we try to stay in the present.” Billy Keane, writer and publican New Year resolution: “My resolution is to give up broccoli. I’ve been eating it for years and it’s gone for the New Year!” Wish for 2013: “We’ll keep going as we are. Let the last hour be the sorest!” Nicola McEvoy, Rose of Tralee New Year resolution: “I’m looking forward to promoting The Gathering.” Wish for 2013: “To really enjoy the rest of my Rose experience. I’m looking forward to travelling to Washington and New York for St. Patrick's Day which I am incredibly excited about.” Sinead Kissane, TV3 sports reporter New Year resolution: “I’m bridesmaid for my sister Niamh in 2013 and I plan to be the best bridesmaid I can be.” Wish for 2013: “I would love to see Kerry win the All-Ireland; see Ireland win the Six Nations and see Brian O’Driscoll captain the Lions in 2013.” Orla Diffily, Upfront PR New Year resolution: “I intend managing the work/life balance better.” Wish for 2013: “We are hosting and producing the fifth annual Kerry Fashion Weekend Designer Awards in early March. When we first established the event in 2009, my new year's goal was to make Kerry to fashion what Cannes is to film - I think we are getting there.”