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VAT increase is a hard pill to swallow

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Today (Friday) local businesses plan to blacken out their windows as part of a national protest against the Government’s unfair 23 percent VAT hike on health supplements.

BY MICHELLE CREAN

The sharp rise, which goes from zero to 23 percent - due to be implemented on March 1 - has left businesses and customers enraged – saying it will have a detrimental impact not only on customers who rely on supplements in order to maintain their health – but also to the local economy which will feel a direct impact of decreased sales.
In Killarney, Tina Tynan, from Horan’s Health Stores, said they have a petition in store that loads of customers have already signed and today they’ll protest to let even more customers know.
Also joining the campaign are staff from Milltown Organic Store who plan to blacken their windows from 2pm to 5pm.
“We are part of the blackout today as it is ridiculous going from zero percent to 23 percent VAT in one go. It is a harsh increase,” Tina told the Killarney Advertiser.
"How’s that going to affect customers if somebody is buying two products a week they now might only be able to afford one.
“Some customers are shocked and upset and they want to sign the petition.”
Tina said that she was disgusted with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s recent comments the ‘food supplements very rarely do anything for our health. They are mostly snake oil and just cost people money’.
"Leo’s comments are ridiculous. What about pregnant women needing to take folic acid, does he say that that doesn’t work for them, or those with osteoarthritis, or people low in calcium or iron?”

Lillian Leask from the Milltown shop said that all six women working there feel strongly about this issue. Today they will blacken out the windows and customers will join them outside in protest.
“We have had a huge response from customers, most people are shocked at what is seen as a very ill-informed and backwards step for this country,” Lilian said. “We have a petition in store that has had over 200 signatures. We have invited customers and staff through Facebook to come to the shop at 3pm to stand outside holding banners and posters and pose for a photo to hopefully send the message that this is not a good move on the Government’s behalf and does not have the public's support in any way.

“The Government sees that the supplement and vitamin sector is a rapidly growing one and therefore there is money to be made on it. The pharmaceutical industry has a particularly strong presence in Ireland and the alternative health option is a threat to their business, so they may well be lobbying for the VAT. I feel this VAT is entirely unfair and shows that the Government’s interest is purely in making money and not in preserving the health of its country. If they wanted people to be well, healthy and independent in their health choices they would not be proposing this tax. It's clear that keeping people sick and reliant on medication is good for business. We need consumers to send the message this is wrong and sign the online petition.”

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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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