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Calls for more Killarney businesses to support foodbank charity

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DELIVERING FOOD: Food Share Kerry's van driver and warehouse coordinator Brian McCannon prepares a delivery for Killarney on Tuesday.

By Sean Moriarty

A Tralee-based surplus food distribution charity - which has experienced unprecedented demand for its service in recent weeks - is calling on more Killarney based businesses to support its scheme during the current crisis.

Food Share Kerry, who act as a foodbank and supply depot where the food products are stored, sorted, graded and distributed to frontline agencies such as Ballyspillane Family Resource Centre and the Killarney branch of St Vincent de Paul, provides a link between producers of surplus food and charities that specialise in combating food poverty.

However, although it's experiencing a three fold rise in its service due to the increase in the number of people needing help - this has been hindered by the number of hotels and cafes that are now closed - which would usually donate excess food.

Fundraising efforts like street collections are also no longer possible because of COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

Depot manager, Courtney Sheehy, says demand has increased but the lack of donations is widening the gap every day.

The only retail outlets in Killarney currently supporting the scheme are the two Dealz branches on High Street and at Deerpark Shopping Centre, and she is appealing for more local outlets to get involved.

“Without the support we are not able to meet the demand,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “People have lost their jobs or they are cocooning and they need us more than ever. We coordinate food distribution in Tralee and run regular deliveries to Killarney where we hand over to groups on the ground who will have a better understanding of what is needed and where in their community, but we need to bridge the gap between donations and what we distribute."

Food Share Kerry has set up a fundraiser with a €2,000 goal via GoFundMe: COVID-19 Response: We need your support!

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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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