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Killarney architect named ‘king’ of his hometown

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COUNT DAVIDE: Killarney resident Davide Mosca will be made a Count in his home town in Italy next month. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

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By Sean Moriarty

 

One Killarney resident has had the greatest honour that can be bestowed on him – by being named a Count – or ‘king’ - of his home village in Italy.

 

Well-known architect Davide Mosca, who has been living and working in Killarney for over 20 years, has been named as the 72nd ‘Count Pierre’ in Verrès, and is the first person abroad to receive the title.

 

Davide, who’s firm DM Design was behind the new Anam Arts and Cultural Centre in town, is also heavily involved in Killarney Celtic Football Club and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

Last weekend he attended the official launch and he now plans to return with at least 30 family and friends for the February 22 to 25 event in the Alpine village of Verrès, about 80km north of Turin.

 

Legend has it that in 1450 a Countess called Catherine of Challant and her second husband, Pierre of Introd, came down from Verres Castle and joined locals in a big dance in the town square. This created a bit of a stir at the time but fondly endeared them to hearts of the locals for centuries.

 

Since World War II, every year the town's Carnevale, which is a pre-lenten bash/mardi-gras, features Catherine and Pierre leading a very lavish medieval parade between the castle and town square and four days of partying.

 

Each year the festival organising committee select a new Catherine and Pierre to lead the festivities and this year Davide received the honour – although his late father Bruno and brother Stefano has previously held the post.

[caption id="attachment_29752" align="alignleft" width="1200"] FESTIVAL: Count Davide Mosca and Countess Daniela Carli at the festival’s launch last weekend. Their marching band will be Killarney on St Patrick’s Day.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It came as a big surprise,” he told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “I am away from the village for over 20 years and I am out of their loop,” he said.

 

“I was there doing interviews with local television and the tourist board, it was going on until 2am so I asked someone what time does the castle close,” he added. “They told me ‘You decide – you are the Count’.”

 

“The tourist board were showing great interest in the fact there are so many Irish coming,” he said.

 

There are also plans to bring the current Countess Catherine, her marching band, flag bearers and drummers to Killarney for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.

 

“There are hundreds of people involved in the parade. There is a cost in getting them over, we won’t get everyone over, but we are working on it,” Davide added.

 

 

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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