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Rena does it again with wonderful Cathedral crib

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By Sean Moriarty

 

It is one of the most loved Christmas favourites in Killarney for the past 46 years - St Mary’s Cathedral Christmas Crib – and once again it hasn’t disappointed.

 

A team of hard working volunteers come together every year to make it happen with the incredible, almost life-like display, admired by locals and visitors from across the country.

 

The artist behind the nativity scene in the cathedral, Rena Kennelly, has been creating magic for 46 years and hopes “health and god willing” she will make the half century in 2024.

 

The religious display wows every Christmas, but like everything else in life, Rena and other people behind the construction of the crib are finding it harder to deliver it each year without breaking some new rule or other.

 

This year the crib’s floor will be mostly made from wood mulch instead of the traditional moss. In years gone by Rena and her supporters would gather moss in the National Park to use as floor material in the crib.

 

However, since the discovery of rare spiders in the park, as reported in the Killarney Advertiser last month, certain areas of the park are now out of bounds for the moss gatherers.

 

“Since the creepy-crawlies are protected species we are not allowed take moss from anywhere near Muckross, the boatmen collect it from way further up the lakes now,” Rena told the Killarney Advertiser.

 

The boatmen are just a number of people she refers to as “her team” – people from all walks of Killarney life that work together to deliver one of most loved Christmas favourites in Killarney.

 

People like local builder Martin Walsh and local character Andrew Joy, better known for playing Santa Claus in the recent Christmas In Killarney events, are a great source of help to Rena.

 

“The lads do all the hard work now and I just turn up and tell them where to put things,” she explained. “Fr Gearoid told me this year that I would have to go for the 50 now. It was great fun in the beginning and I have a great team now.”

 

 

 

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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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