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Local runners plan to tackle marathon in aid of local school

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HITTING THE ROAD: Preparing for the Dublin City Marathon in aid of Knockanes National School Parents Association are: Marian O’Connell, Nicole O’Brien, Shane Dennehy, Eileen Dineen and Niamh O’Connor. Photo: Seamus Healy

 

Making each mile count

By Michelle Crean

Five runners will push their endurance and strength to the limits next week – as they take on 26.2 miles – all in aid of a local school.

On Saturday, October 27, a group of Glenflesk runners will bravely try to conquer the challenge of completing the Dublin City Marathon – and intend to raise funds for Knockanes National School Parents Association.

Runners Niamh O’Connor, Eileen Dineen, Mary Doherty, Marian O’Connell, Shane Dennehy and Nicole O’Brien hope funds raised will be donated to the school to help in the completion of a sensory room and to purchase extra physical education resources for the 63 pupils that attend.

Sensory rooms are special spaces within a school that allow students of all abilities to self-regulate, rebalance and have their sensory needs met. Such a room will provide a calm and relaxed environment that can be enjoyed by all pupils at different times throughout the school day, explained Principal Lucy O’Sullivan.

With a strong sporting tradition, particularly in the GAA, Knockanes National School is also ready and set to purchase further sporting equipment, providing pupils with the opportunity to build on their talents in areas such as basketball, gymnastics, athletics and dance.

“These funded projects will enable all pupils to become more active throughout the school day, contribute to their sense of well-being and allow for better learning and creativity in the classroom. We wish our team of runners all the best as they embark on this test of endurance and strength. Their time and effort are very much appreciated by all the pupils, staff and parents of Knockanes National School.”

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Killarney marks 20 years since the rally that inspired Ireland BikeFest

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Ireland BikeFest returns to Killarney from 29 to 31 May, marking 20 years since the 2006 European HOG Rally that originally brought the festival to the town.

What began as a one-off European Harley-Davidson event in 2006 led to the launch of Ireland BikeFest the following year.

It has since grown into Ireland’s largest free open motorcycle and music festival, drawing visitors annually from across Ireland, the UK, and Europe over the June Bank Holiday weekend.


“Twenty years ago, Killarney fell head-over-wheels in love with the biking community,” says Patrick O’Donoghue, Chairman of Ireland BikeFest.


“There was something electric about that first rally in 2006. The sound, the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the town embraced it completely. Ireland BikeFest grew from that connection and twenty years later the relationship is stronger than ever.”


The 2026 anniversary festival will feature the purpose-built Bike Village at the Gleneagle, guided ride-outs along the Wild Atlantic Way, live music, a Custom Bike Show, and the traditional Sunday bike parade through the streets of Killarney.


Supported by Harley-Davidson, the Gleneagle, and Fáilte Ireland, the event remains free and open to all riders, bikes, and visitors. For more information, visitwww.irelandbikefest.com.

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Two local connections secure top spots in Hot Press Readers’ Poll

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Killarney took pride of place in both the film and literary categories of this year’s ‘Hot Press’ Readers’ Poll, with local connections winning two of the main national awards.

The Best Film award went to Hamnet , starring Killarney actress Jessie Buckley. Buckley’s performance as Agnes Shakespeare in the feature adaptation has been a major success, and Hot Press readers have now voted it their favourite movie of the year.


Meanwhile, author Joseph O’Connor won the Best Book category with his latest novel, The Ghosts of Rome.

O’Connor has a strong historical link to the area, as his recent books are based on Killarney humanitarian Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his wartime exploits in Rome.

O’Connor has long championed the legacy of the Killarney native, whose memorial statue stands in the town centre.

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