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O’Sullivan replaces Botty at Kerry GAA Store

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Former Kerry footballer Seán O’Sullivan has taken the reins from Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan at the Kerry GAA Store in Killarney and the four-time All-Ireland winner says he has big shoes to fill.

“I know Botty since he joined the Kerry set-up in 2004 as our equipment manager and from the minute he walked in, you just knew what kind of guy he was,” Seán said. “He’s a bubbly, vivacious character. Very friendly. When they opened the shop in 2013, it was a no-brainer for him to be the manager. He just has the personality for it.

“After five years here he’s moving on to different things and I know that if I’m half as popular as he was, I’ll be doing a good job. My mantra is, ‘if it’s not broke don’t fix it’. I have my own ideas for the shop and how to take it forward but Niall and his staff have run it brilliantly. I just want to keep that going, and maybe add my own style to it as well.”

The Cromane native is no stranger to Killarney having previously worked for 13 years at Bank of Ireland on New Street. The opportunity to return to the town was ‘one of the main attractions’ of the job, O’Sullivan says.

“Killarney has a great vibe and I love the people, so from that point of view I’ve had no problem settling in. But the daily running of the business is something completely new to me so that is a little bit challenging.

“Every day I’m getting better at it. I have great support in the staff that I have around me and it’s a ‘learn-as-you-go’ process. But I’m really enjoying it.”

The store, which is located in the Killarney Outlet Centre, is currently preparing for a busy Christmas period and O’Sullivan says the new National League range is proving particularly popular with supporters.

“Weekends are busy but like any business, there’s a bit of a November lull at the moment. We’re hoping to ramp up our Christmas campaign over the next few weeks. Vouchers are huge for us and they’re very popular at this time of year,” he said.

“The new gear is lovely. It really is. And right now we’re already talking to O’Neills about our championship gear for the summer. We’ve got some very good, fresh ideas in relation to that as well. That’s the way the business works; you always have to be ahead of the game.”

The new store manager is hoping for a prosperous 2019 and he acknowledged that the exploits of the Kerry senior team was bound to have a direct effect on business.

“We want Kerry to go all the way – and maybe a few replays thrown in as well!” he joked. “No, look, there’s no doubt about it, Kerry not getting out of the Super 8s last summer affected the store. That only makes sense. The longer Kerry stay in the championship, the better it’s going to be for us. And it goes both ways: the better the store is doing, the better Kerry are doing because the profits are going straight back into Kerry GAA.

“It’s a win-win for everybody.”

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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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