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Acclaimed actor and singer to take centre stage in Killarney for Raheen National School

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ONE of Kerry's most talented thespians and an internationally renowned singer are to join forces for a special night of entertainment on February 3 to help raise funds for Raheen National School as well as to purchase a defibrillator for the local community.

Actor Donal Courtney will give a performance of God Has No Country, his one-man show on the life of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, while former Lord of the Dance lead singer and TV voice coach Elaine Canning will also perform on the night.

The one-off fundraiser will be held at the Celtic Steps Arena, located at Killarney Racecourse, and tickets are already on sale at just €10.

Raheen National School holds a number of annual fundraisers and this year want to go one step further and hope to install a defibrillator in the local school that will be available for all of the local community.

The 42-pupil school is one of the many progressive schools in East Kerry. But like so many primary schools, it is dependent on school staff, parents council and the local community to help fundraise every year so that children get to benefit from the many school services made available.

The parents council chairman, Eugene Bowler, said: "We are so delighted to have both Donal and Elaine performing at the racecourse venue. Both are supremely talented professionals

"Our hope now is that we will pack the venue and raise funds for the school and for the defibrillator which we know will serve as a massive asset to the community and could save lives.”

God Has No Courtney has returned for an additional run at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin and the one-man show, written and performed by the Killarney actor, is a powerful telling of O'Flaherty's story and his exploits in Rome during World War 11.

Elaine Canning has performed at venues all over the world, including Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day where she was the first female soloist to sing the National Anthem in front of over 80,000.

She has also featured as the Vocal Expert on TG4 Junior Eurovision Song Contest and as Vocal Coach on The Voice Of Ireland.

Joining Elaine on the night will be the Glenflesk Male Choir, the Raheen School Choir and the Clonkeen Teen Choir.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 8pm, are just €10 and are on sale at numerous outlets or by calling 087-2339725.
 


 
Above: Killarney actor Donie Courtney as Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty performing his own play God Has No Country.
PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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