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Local school leading the way in digital technologies for teaching and learning

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PROBLEM SOLVERS: Pupils from Holy Cross Mercy Primary School are enjoying a new STEM club in their school. Pictured at the front were: Seán Looney, Amelia Spillane, Caelan Prendergast and Sadhbh Collins from senior infants with their classmates.

By Michelle Crean

Local school children are becoming logical thinkers and problem solvers at a much younger age thanks to the introduction of a new after schools programme.

Holy Cross Mercy Primary School hosts an afterschool STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) club for Senior Infant pupils where children are introduced to science experiments including making slime and building electrical circuits and engineering by designing and building various structures such as bridges and houses using maths.

Principal of Holy Cross, Ursula Coffey, welcomed the announcement of funding for all schools for the purchase of key technologies including iPads, smart displays and airplay devices for the school.

“It will allow us to build on and expand the amazing work being done in our school in the area of digital technologies for teaching and learning,” she said.

Holy Cross is a school of Digital Distinction with Technology and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) playing a central role in learning throughout all classes in the school, she added.

“All classes have access to iPads with over 100 devices in the school. Parents and teachers communicate through their child’s Digital Learning Journal Seesaw and are updated daily with snapshots of their child’s learning. Children from Junior Infants right through to Sixth class learn 21st century tech skills within their classrooms with every child having access to iPads daily. The students will also work together on different aspects of coding including Scratch and Beebots to enable them to become logical thinkers, problem solvers, collaborative learners and to foster and encourage creativity.”

 

The Holy Cross Mercy also has a STEM Club for the older classes and  the new funding will provide resources for the club.

“The students will learn skills such as animation, coding, robotics and engineering with LEGO.”
Further information is available on their website www.mercyholycross.ieor their Facebook page. If you are interested in school enrolment for September 2019 please contact the school office on 064 663141.

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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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