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Christmas Holy Well Walk in Glenbeigh this weekend

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WALKING TALL: Members of Glenbeigh Handball Club and St Finian's Holy Well committee at the launch of the Christmas Walk, which takes place in Glenbeigh tomorrow (Saturday) from the Red Fox Inn. Front l-r: Maggie and Clodagh Quirke. Back l-r: Owen Riordan, Sean Roche, Christy Moriarty, Pat Donovan and Chris Burke. Photo: Con Dennehy.

 

By Con Dennehy

 

The haunting and spine chilling sound of bagpipes will drift across the picturesque River Caragh in Glenbeigh this festive season as a lone piper leads a walk from the Red Fox Inn to the famed Comane Holy Well during one of the Christmas highlights in Mid Kerry.

 

More than 100 people are expected to put their best foot forward in the 8km fun event tomorrow (Saturday), with all funds raised from the walk assisting the continued development of the Glenbeigh Handball Club.

 

St Finian’s Holy Well has been part of the local community in Glenbeigh for generations and was widely acknowledged for its spirituality and healing power.

 

“Over the years the area around the well became overgrown and virtually inaccessible. I decided it was time to honour and show respect to our ancestors and revamp the area,” said Pat Donovan, the founder member of the St Finian’s Well committee.

 

With the invaluable assistance of the South Kerry Development Partnership and local volunteers, an extensive restoration programme commenced in 2013.

 

“More than 80 tonnes of stone, gravel and other materials were brought to the site in wheelbarrows. Weeds, shrubbery, briars and other unsightly material were removed and replaced with paths, walls and a grotto. The entire area was also landscaped. Today, this location on the Kerry Way is a tourist attraction and a place that people can come and remember their ancestors in a dignified and peaceful setting.”

 

Following the renovation an annual Easter Walk was held from the Red Fox Inn to the Holy Well with over €60,000 raised for locally based charities and community projects.

 

Registration for this year’s walk takes place at the Red Fox Inn from 12 noon with the walk commencing at 1pm and is suitable for all age groups.

 

The entry fee is a modest €10 with refreshments and music in the Red Fox Inn after the walk.

 

 

 

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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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