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Volunteers wanted for Killarney National Park

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By Michelle Crean

If you’re contemplating a New Year’s resolution which involves the great outdoors  - then joining a voluntary clean-up group in Killarney might just be your answer.

Giving just an hour or two week is all that’s required as Killarney National Parks Mountain Meitheal Group are looking for volunteers to help out every Sunday morning.

Currently the group are actively working on the eradication of Rhododendron from Killarney National Park, while also concentrating their efforts on cleaning and clearing the areas trails and pathways, making it a safer beauty spot for locals and visitors.

The group was established five years ago, explained Johnny McGuire, Killarney National Parks Mountain Meitheal Volunteer coordinator.

“The idea of setting up the group came from the then Minister for Arts Heritage and Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan,” Johnny said.

“He saw a need for a volunteer group. With the co-operation of the Killarney Chamber and Muckross House we formed this group.

“We had a pool of volunteers, some who were involved with Tidy Towns, and active park users who were able to come out during the winter months to provide their voluntary labour to help maintain trails, clear up fallen branches, tidy, brush and remove debris and all sorts of various jobs to keep the park in good order to benefit the whole community. And it has made a difference.”

He added that over the spring period they will be organising Sunday morning Meitheals to assist the park rangers with the Rhododendron eradication programme.

“If anybody wants to see the benefits first hand there’s a tremendous clearing of Rhododendron just completed at Dinis car park on the Kenmare Road,” he said.

“We’re calling on people to help. If you’re contemplating a New Year resolution maybe give one or two hours a week to the campaign that’s going on in Killarney National Park.”

Volunteers can come and join the group every Sunday from 9am to 12noon, he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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