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Killarney London reunion takes place tonight

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PRIZE: Killarney London Reunion committee member Michael O'Leary with the trophy that will be presented to Jack Ryan this weekend in London. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Sean Moriarty

Over 200 people are expected to attend the Killarney London Reunion 50th anniversary tonight (Saturday) at the famous Crown Hotel in Cricklewood.

The annual reunion, which is sponsored by the Killarney Advertiser, is one of the social highlights of the year for Killarney people living in London.

Each year the Killarney London committee select a ‘Person of the Year’ – and Jack Ryan is the deserved recipient this year.

Aside from Ryan’s celebration, the organisation, which served as a home away from home for Killarney people, will celebrate its 50th birthday.

The Killarney Association London was formed in 1969 by local priest Tom Looney, who was the parish priest in Wembley at the time, Cllr Donal Grady and the late Cllr Michael Courtney.

Former town clerk Michael O’Leary has been a Killarney side committee member since his Council days.

“One of the most important things, in practical terms, was when young Killarney people emigrated to London there was a welcome and social system in place that still exists to this day,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.
“There were always two sides to the organisation and the local committee existed to help those who wanted to move home after time away.”

[caption id="attachment_28940" align="alignleft" width="300"] BACK IN TIME: A group celebrate one of the first Killarney London Reunions at the now closed Spotted Dog in Willesden in 1970. The landmark pub was once owned by the Harty Family of Ballinskelligs.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_28939" align="alignleft" width="300"] FOUNDER: Fr Tom Looney (centre), was one of the founding members of the Killarney London Reunion.[/caption]

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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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