Connect with us

News

Killarney girls to live on €3.25 a day

Published

on

INTO THE UNKNOWN: Killarney Girl Guide members, Sarah Kenny and Sarah Canavan, are all set to take part in the 'Explorer Belt Challenge' in a top secret foreign country. 

Two Killarney women are all set to take part in Irish Girl Guides’ toughest challenge – by surviving on just €3.25 a day while hiking 180km over 10 days.

Sarah Kenny (23)from Firies,and Sarah Canavan (22) from Knockasartnett, will take part in the ‘Explorer Belt Challenge’ in a yet unknown foreign country, where they will have to carry all their camping and cooking equipment, clothes, food and water.

The two Sarahs, who are both Leaders of Sika Senior Branch, Killarney, the senior branch of Irish Girl Guides for 14-30 year olds, will also have to complete a number of projects during the challenge. These will involve completing a service for the local community and finding out about local history and culture without using a smartphone!

While the duo have trained over the past few months by hiking and regular gym workouts, it has been impossible for them to prepare for the projects as they will not know where in Europe they are going until they arrive with their rucksacks at Dublin Airport on Sunday.

Most of their training has taken place separately as they are currently living in different parts of the country. Sarah Canavan lives in Galway where she is studying Commerce in NUI Galway and Sarah Kenny is in Dublin where she is a dietitian in St James’s Hospital.

While both are looking forward to the challenge, some nerves are beginning to set in. The fact that they will be taking it on together gives them some encouragement.

“We are well used to working together as we have been in Guides together since we were 13, and we have completed most of our Guiding challenges together,” Sarah Kenny said.

Both girls successfully completed the Irish Girl Guides’ Chief Commissioner’s Award last year when, as a team, they hiked 60 kilometres over five days in Co Waterford and survived on €3.50 a day.

“I feel the mentality side of the challenge will be the hardest,” she said.

“I get extremely grumpy when I’m lacking sleep but the best thing about doing it with Sarah is that she understands that and it’s the same vice versa.”

Sarah Canavan added that another big problem for them will be food. “I’m vegetarian and Sarah is allergic to nuts and gluten, so we’ll be having a lot of eggs,” she said.

The Explorer Belt survival adventure is being organised by two experienced IGG leaders, Katherine Ryan and Jemma Lee, who themselves successfully completed the Explorer Belt Challenge in Germany four years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement

News

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 […]

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport