News
Killarney lads are officially Young Offenders!
YOUNG OFFENDERS: Killian Heelan and Conor O'Donoghue will be the stars of hit Irish comedy 'Young Offenders' in December. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Michelle Crean
Two Killarney lads – who happen to be best friends – are living the dream after being chosen from 7,000 to appear as main characters in one of the country’s best loved programmes ‘Young Offenders’.
Their episode has received over 3.1m views as it’s available on the BBC iPlayer and with their episode due to air on RTE screens on December 23 - Conor O’Donoghue (19) and Killian Heelan (21) are pinching themselves after they accidently found themselves the main stars of the hit comedy show.
In what turned out to be a series of coincidental events the boys couldn’t believe their eyes when picked up in a 191 blacked out Mercedes van in Cork – only to find when they got on set that they were the main stars – filming the episode over five days.
Killian, son of Elaine and George, first tried out for the show last year after seeing a casting call on social media, but was disappointed when he didn’t get through. His own Tik Tok social skit channel proved a bit hit since and might have had something to do with him getting the part, he explained.
“They got back to me a year later. They must have seen my 43,000 followers,” Killian explained to the Killarney Advertiser on Monday.
“I had to make a few videos of me cursing and shouting and told my mom to not take any notice!”
For Conor, son of Sophie O’Donoghue and Warren Haighway, he had five minutes to send his audition also shouting and coursing.
In their episode, there’s Kerry Cork rivalry as Young Offenders stars Jock and Conor holiday in Kerry. What ensues is hilarious antics centering around Killarney’s Killian and Conor.
“It is nothing we’d done before and it was surreal when we got there, meeting the boys and all the stars of the show. We didn’t think a lot of it would be centred around us. It’s life-changing.”
Both lads are planning to sign with casting agencies and are hoping for more acting work.
“To be the next Fassbender,” Conor said.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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