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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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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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