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Solutions sought to save Celtic Steps

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POSSIBLE SOLUTION: David Rae, owner of Celtic Steps, is hoping to apply for planning permission to save the show and 30 jobs. Photo: Francis Foley

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

The operators of Celtic Steps say they are hopeful that a solution can be found to safeguard its future after Killarney Racecourse was refused planning permission to host concerts and other events.

 

The popular Irish dance show has taken place at the Jim Culloty Suite on the racecourse grounds since 2015.

 

Celtic Steps is staged at the venue between April and October and its performances regularly attract 400 spectators. 30 dancers and musicians’ jobs are at risk following the recent planning decision by an An Bord Pleanála.

 

The board refused planning as some locals had complained about the high levels of noise coming from the venue with some events reportedly running until after 1am.

 

However, David Rae, owner of Celtic Steps, who leases the premises from Killarney Racecourse, hopes to apply for permission directly to continue running the show at the venue. As such it was the Killarney Racecourse Company that was denied planning and Rae believes that by going on his own he could be allowed overcome the issues.

 

He will apply for a strict time slot (8.30pm to 10.15pm) and plans, at his own expense, to install additional soundproofing measures at the venue.

 

“We have been in consultation with all concerned parties,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is all due process but we are hopeful that everyone will be satisfied with the solutions we will offer.”

 

Rae and his team will meet with planning officials next Tuesday where he will put forward his plans to save the popular show and 30 jobs.

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Spa GAA and Kerry Parents & Friends secure energy grant funding

Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025. Both groups have been announced as […]

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Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025.

Both groups have been announced as successful applicants for the national energy grant funding scheme, which supports community and sports organisations in delivering sustainable, energy-efficient projects that help reduce running costs.
The fund, launched in 2022, provides financial assistance, technical resources, and expert guidance to not-for-profit organisations working to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
For Spa GAA, the funding will go towards a full insulation retrofit of the club’s Sports Hall and Clubhouse, as well as upgrading existing floodlights to new energy-efficient LED fittings. The project follows the installation of a Solar PV system earlier this year, continuing the club’s move toward greater energy conservation.
Speaking at the official funding announcement in Cork, James Cahill of Spa GAA thanked SE Systems “for supporting the power of sport and recreation to bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles and build connections in the community.”
Spa GAA has also been selected as one of three clubs nationally to feature in SE Systems’ print media campaign promoting the Community Fund.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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