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DPP directs no prosecution following tragic accident

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By Anne Lucey

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed there is to be no prosecution arising from a tragic accident in which an American couple travelling down the narrow Gap of Dunloe mountain pass in a trap last April were killed.
One of Killarney’s most popular tourist trips ended in tragedy when their horse suddenly and inexplicably left the road and plunged several metres down a rocky ravine.
Normand La Rose, 62, originally from Canada but living in Phoenix, Arizona, and his partner Joy Few aged 64, also of Arizona, were killed on April 9 last.
They were on an Easter family holiday with Ms Joy’s daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren travelling in a trap behind them.
The inquest into the death of Mr La Rose opened in Killarney last August for the purposes of issuing a death certificate.
Death was the result of blunt force trauma with severe brain injury due to a fall onto rocks from a pony and trap on April 9, 2018, South and East Kerry Coroner Aisling Quilter said.
The coroner adjourned the full inquest to when garda investigations would be concluded.
The inquest into Ms Few will open in March, but again is likely to be adjourned as the period for an appeal of the DPP direction will not have been reached.
The experienced jarvey escaped physical injury but was hospitalised for shock and the severely injured horse was put down at the scene.
Gardai have now confirmed the DPP has directed no prosecution be brought.
The gardai and family have a period of two months to appeal that direction.
However, this was essentially a freak and tragic accident at a point where there was ravine, investigators believe.
It remains a mystery what caused the horse to leave the road at the spot. Weather conditions were good and speed or erratic driving were not factors. Drone and other activity has been ruled out, it is understood.
A separate investigation by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) into the accident was also conducted as it involved a work situation. The HSA, which has prosecuting powers separate to the garda, said on Friday it had concluded investigations and it will not be bringing charges.
What occurred was “essentially a road traffic accident", a spokesman said.The HSA would not be making any recommendations arising from the investigations.
The Gap of Dunloe road is public and it comes under the remit of Kerry County Council.
The council said it will await the outcome of the coroner's court.

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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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