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Killarney’s answer to Roddy Doyle as Paddy Osborne launches book

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BOOK LAUNCH: Paddy Osborne with his wife Liz and daughter Rebecca at the launch of his new book 'Baxter's Boys' in Killarney Brewery on Wednesday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Dublin native Paddy Osborne - a well-known figure in Killarney Legion and Killarney Celtic FC circles – has penned a novel about the a mismatched football team that enjoys an unprecedented cup run.

The dark comedy called ‘Baxter’s Boys’ was launched at the Killarney Brewery on Wednesday night.

Based in the north inner city of Dublin, where Paddy grew up, the story traces the lives of team members as they bond and share life experiences during a previously unheard of run of success for their small soccer team.

The book explores socials issues like loneliness, drink and drug addiction and single parent-hood.

Paddy, who is a member of a local drama group and has penned short ten-minute plays, put the idea to the BBC as a screenplay 17 years ago. When that failed to get over the final hurdle he parked the idea until three years ago and when he decided to turn it into a novel.

His ten-minute plays include what he described as the Irish version of ‘The Hangover’ which tells the story of two Irish men waking up one morning in possession of the Sam Maguire Cup and having no idea how they ended up with it. The play as been performed at Courtney’s Bar in Killarney.

“There is no doubt I drew inspiration for the book from my time growing up in the north inner city,” Paddy told the Killarney Advertiser. “Sport is the bond that brings people together, the Kerry man in it is the cute fellow, but it explores social issues, the most-educated man in the story is also the man who ends up homeless.”

Paddy also drew on his vast sporting knowledge to create the characters in the book.

He is a Legion GAA committee member, a former Killarney Celtic FC committee member a role he had to rescind when he became an FAI registered referee. His son Robert plays League of Ireland football with Cobh Ramblers and his father Paddy Snr is a former All-Ireland boxing champion.

Paddy lives near the Ross Road in Killarney, is married to Liz O’Sullivan and is a horticulturist with Kerry County Council in Tralee, where amongst other things, he looks after the famous Rose Garden in Tralee Town Park.

The book is available from Eason in Killarney.

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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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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