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Finish Line Fantasy cycle launched by charity

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With the actual fundraising cycle event not taking place this year, organisers of The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle have launched a 'FinishLineFantasy' challenge in an effort to encourage cyclists to recreate their own finish tomorrow (Saturday), marking the original date of the 2020 cycle.

The idea is to encourage participants to get some practice in before what promises to be the cycle event of the year on Saturday, July 3, 2021.

And they have not one, but two prizes for the winners of the challenge, including a brand-new road bike sponsored by O’Sullivan Cycles, Killarney to the value of €1,000 as well as entry for the 2021 event, a jersey and a neck buff for The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2021.

To enter, participants are asked to take a photo of their recreated ‘finish line’ with family or friends, share it tomorrow (Saturday) on their social media channels, and tag the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with the hashtag #FinishLineFantasy.

They are also encouraging creativity and humorous photos while of course adhering to social distancing guidelines. Winners will be announced Tuesday, July 7.

The volunteer-led charity cycle has raised over €17 million for more than 160 charities since it began 37 years ago, and in more recent years, over €1 million per annum. Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of this year’s event, they are unable to fundraise in the same capacity for their carefully chosen charities. This has had a knock-on effect for charities including St Francis Special School and the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

“As we all re-emerge back into the ‘new normal’ and the additional stress that this may bring, we can only imagine what it feels like for children with extra needs and with that, it is even more essential now to have our own school bus," Fiona Carroll, Special Needs Assistant at St Francis Special School, aiming to raise funds for a dedicated school bus for the children said. "The Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle and the ‘Cycle For Us We Need A Bus' campaign have never meant more to us than they do now.”

Chairperson of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Committee, Bridget McGuire, said that they are extremely disappointed that they couldn’t hold this year’s event due to COVID-19.

"We would like to thank once again those who registered this year, all of our amazing volunteers and our charities for their ongoing support.
We really hope that people get on board with our #FinishLineFantasy Challenge, while of course, keeping it local and in small groups adhering to social distancing, as it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, go for a cycle, have a bit of fun and who knows, win some impressive prizes.”

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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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