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Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award 2018

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This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the formation of The Rome Escape Line and the 11th year of the Memorial Commemoration of the Monsignor. It is organised annually to raise awareness of the Humanitarian work carried out by the Monsignor, when during WW2, together with his colleagues in the Rome Escape Line, he saved over 6,500 people from the clutches of the Nazis who had occupied Rome at the time.  On October 30th, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of the Monsignor’s death a permanent memorial to the Monsignor was unveiled in Killarney town centre. The memorial is a life-size sculpture of the Monsignor by Valentia based artist Alan Ryan Hall.  On May 8th, 2016, a Plaque commemorating the Monsignor was unveiled at the German College, Vatican City, Rome where he lived from 1938 until 1960 and from where he organised the WW2 Rome Escape Line.

Earlier this year, a “shortlist” of seven Nominations was submitted to the Independent Award Panel for consideration as potential recipients of the 2018 Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award. The Award will be presented by Killarney Mayor John Sheahan at the Award Ceremony in Killarney on Saturday November 3rd during the 11th Annual Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Weekend.

The 2018 Award is very different from previous Awards. Since its inception in 2009, although open to individuals and organisations, the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award has always been presented to individual Humanitarian recipients, - the 2017 recipient was Loreto Sr Orla Treacy from South Sudan.  This year for the first time, the Humanitarian Award does not go to an individual nor indeed to one humanitarian organisation, but to a collective of three Humanitarian Organisations under the heading of Ireland’s Rescue Services. The three organisations to receive the 2018 Humanitarian Award are:

•           Irish Coast Guard (Including Community & Local Rescue Services).

•           The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

•           KMRT (Kerry Mountain Rescue Team).

Chair of the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society Jerry O’Grady said, “This was unquestionably the most unusual nomination we have received over the last 10 years – It brought into focus the incredibly selfless humanitarian work done by the members of these organisations, the great majority of whom are unpaid volunteers”.  The key point of the original nomination read, “Be it windswept high mountains, dangerous shorelines or stormy seas, when called upon, at a moment’s notice and without regard for the race or creed of those in need, they put their lives on the line to help others. Over the years, members of these rescue organisations have lost their lives while attempting to save others”.

The venue for the 2018 Award Ceremony will be confirmed later. The Memorial Weekend Programme will include an extensive Photo & Memorabilia Exhibition in Killarney Library which will run from Friday November 2nd to Saturday November 10th inclusive.

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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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