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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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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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