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Killarney retains Tidy Towns gold medal

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STRIKING GOLD: Eileen O'Donoghue (KCC), and members of the Killarney Looking Good committee, Yvonne Quill, Stephen Sheehan, Mayor of Killarney Cllr Michael Gleeson, Padruig O'Sullivan, Kathleen Foley, celebrating retaining their gold medal at this year's Tidy Towns awards. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

The 500 volunteers who help keep Killarney tidy were praised by Tidy Towns judges this week following the announcement on Monday that the town had retained its gold medal status.

Killarney scored 342 marks at the 2019 annual SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony in the Helix, Dublin - eight up on last year, but 136 marks off the maximum of 470. Killarney scored best in the litter and tidiness category, with 61 points out of a maximum of 90.

“We were very impressed with Killarney, the many fine buildings, including hotels, offices and shops were a delight and everywhere is looking so well,” said the judging panel. “We admired the improvement works completed at the car/bus park at Rock Road, the refurbishment of public conveniences at High Street and the ploughing sculpture.”

Judges make decisions across eight categories including Tidiness and Litter Control; Public Places, Green Spaces and Landscaping.

“The slogan ‘Killarney Looking Good’ is very apt and we congratulate you on your success in the campaign against litter,” said the judge’s report. “The strategies of regular and seasonal litter clean-ups is working well; it is great to see the combined efforts of Council employees and volunteers working together and achieving so much. It is interesting to see the statistics for bags of litter and numbers of volunteers who have worked on this campaign over the years.”

 

High Standards

 

Eileen O’Donoghue, Killarney Municipal District Council Officer, congratulated all those involved in achieving such high standards.

“There is a great sense of community in Killarney seen in the voluntary effort put in, week in week out. It is thanks to the co-operation and the coming together of so many different groups, the volunteers, the Chamber of Commerce and the local authority that the town has seen an increase in eight points,” she said.

Killarney Looking Good Chairperson Yvonne Quill also thanked volunteers.

“We would like to thank everyone in Team Killarney, the volunteers who go out Monday and Wednesday nights for the organised clean-ups and those that go out on an ongoing basis in their own time,” she said.

Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelleher, attended the awards ceremony in the Helix Dublin on Monday.

"Credit is due to the Killarney Looking Good Committee, Council staff and volunteers in Killarney. It's a great achievement to increase points in all categories in this year's competition, it's a testament to the hard work and proved it pays off.”

 

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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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