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Kelleher expresses disappointment at FF snub

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Former Mayor of Killarney Cllr Niall Kelleher has expressed his disappointment at not being added to the Fianna Fáil ticket for the next general election. Kelleher, a native of Rathmore, had hoped to get the nod ahead of the other six candidates who expressed an interest but in the end Cllr Norma Moriarty was chosen to join Deputy John Brassil on the card.

Kelleher congratulated Cllr Moriarty on her victory before adding that: “On a personal note, I am disappointed that I have not been added to the ticket, thus far, but I am encouraged by the fact that the National Constituencies Committee has stressed that the situation in Kerry will be kept under review over the next number of months.

“I am not alone in thinking that to be in with the best possible chance of winning two seats in Kerry, we need to run three candidates and we need to maximise geographical advantages.

“I will now be concentrating on the next election we know we will face and that is the local elections in May 2019 when I will focus on increasing my vote. We will see what happens after that as, in terms of the timing for a general election, we are still in the dark.”

Senator Mark Daly, Cllr Michael Cahill, Cllr Norma Foley, Cllr Michael D O’Shea and Cllr Tom McEllistrim were the other candidates who were overlooked.

Cllr Cahill also expressed his dismay at not being selected, citing gender balance as one of the reasons the party went with Cllr Moriarty.

“For my part I wish to state that I am not at all surprised but obviously very disappointed not to have been added to the party ticket,” he said. “Not surprised in that I was up against the gender balance whereby political parties have to run 30% female candidates to qualify for the maximum state funding.

“Disappointed in that I was one of five candidates that contested the party convention last January, coming out on top in South Kerry, the very same convention that both Cllr Michael O’Shea and Cllr Norma Moriarty were eliminated in. I have given my entire adult life to public service, almost 28 years, I am known for my tireless work and I am a proven vote getter.

“I received more votes in the 2014 local elections, more than any of the Fianna Fáil candidates including Deputy John Brassil. This along with my vast experience and political base in Mid Kerry would have put me in an ideal position to win a seat for the party.

“You should always play your strongest team.”

 

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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