Connect with us

News

Half a century on the hoof at the track

Published

on

A

A wonderful tradition that dates back half a century will be maintained at Killarney Races this week when a third generation of one local family will provide the all-important farrier service at the track.

Timmy McGillycuddy from Ballydribeen, Killarney, will follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps when he joins his dad, Pa, in the farrier forge at the racecourse for the five-day July festival.

The link with the track goes all the way back to 1969 when Patrick McGillycuddy senior – who trained at Murphy’s Forge in Barraduff – was engaged by the Race Company to put his skills as a blacksmith to good use.

He passed on his know-how and knowledge to his son, Pa, who is a legendary personality in the industry and, in turn, Timmy took up the trade to ensure the great tradition and top class service continues with father and son working side by side.

“Our 50-year association with the local racecourse is a great milestone and it’s certainly a landmark worth celebrating,” said Timmy.

While some of the raw materials used might have changed significantly over the past five decades, the essential tools of the trade remain constant and the skills of half a century ago are identical to those used today.

“There might be better nails and shoes and better quality aluminium available now but the principles of the trade remain the same,” said Timmy.

He explained that a farrier’s goal is still to make a horse’s gait as efficient as possible to ensure comfort, increased athletic ability, greater balance and smoother movement.

The McGillycuddy family operates a busy forge at Ballydribeen where pride of place goes to an anvil dating all the way back to 1800 and it has stood the test of time.

It was sourced in the historic Churchtown Estate in Beaufort – where Beaufort Golf Course now stands. The spectacular Georgian house was built in 1740 by Sir Rowland Blennerhassett and the estate was bought in 1860 by James Magill who turned it into one of the largest dairy farms in the south west.

Advertisement

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Continue Reading

News

Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

Published

on

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport