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‘Big Hello’ event aims to tackle social isolation

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Announcing details of the 'Big Hello' Healthy Kerry Community Weekend, from l-r: Niamh O'Sullivan (Head of Community Department, Kerry County Council), Cllr Niall Kelleher (Chairperson of Kerry Local Community Development Committee), Deirdre Hegarty (Health and Well-being Officer, Kerry County Council), and Bill Morrell (Kerry Public Participation Network).

Kerry County Council, in conjunction with Kerry’s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), is inviting applications for funding from local community-led events linked to the first ever Healthy Kerry Community Weekend, which will take place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

With the theme of ‘Wellbeing Across the Ages’, the event is part of the nationwide ‘Big Hello’ initiative being led by the Department of Rural and Community Development. €10,000 in funding has been allocated by the department to events in Kerry.

“The funding is intended particularly for community-based events that will foster a sense of helping each other by coming together, not just on that weekend, but all year round,’ Cllr Niall Kelleher, Chairperson of the Kerry Local Community Development Committee, said.

“It’s a chance for everyone to organise an event which will help people to get know all members of their community, to reconnect with neighbours and have a celebration together that is open, inclusive and local.”

The events must take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend from May 4 to 6. Applications are welcome from community and voluntary groups, organisations and residents’ committees within County Kerry. A maximum of 10 projects will be funded.

Full details are now available on the Kerry County Council website and from the Community Department or HealthyKerryCommunityWeekend@kerrycoco.ie. The closing date for funding applications is March 25.

 

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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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