Kerry historian Owen O’Shea has released a new book detailing Civil War politics in the county and charting the turbulent and sometimes violent elections of the 1920s and early 1930s.

From Bullets to Ballots: Politics and Electioneering in Post-Civil War Kerry, 1923-33 has been published this week by UCD Press and will be launched at events in Tralee during the coming weeks.

Owen’s book is based on four years of research for a PhD at the School of History at University College Dublin.

Owen describes the Civil war in Kerry as the most divisive and longer lasting than any other county in Ireland.

He said: “Politics and election campaigns in the county were hugely influenced by the bitterness and hatred which the war created.

Elections brought underlying tensions to the surface and were often occasions of violence fuelled by fiery rhetoric from election platforms.”

In the book, the results of elections for the Civil War parties, as well as other parties who were not defined by the Treaty split, are considered in detail.

Key influences on electoral behaviour are examined, including party organisation, the role of party members, the dynamics of election campaigns, how the memory of the Civil War was used to persuade voters, and the crucial role of newspapers and their coverage of elections.

The book was launched by Professor Ferriter in Dublin bookshop Books Upstairs, on Tuesday.

There will be a Kerry launch on November 28 at O’Mahony’s Bookshop in Tralee with Minister Norma Foley as guest speaker.

The Killarney Lions Club has launched a brand-new fundraising event.

The first ever Killarney Santa Cycle will take place on Saturday, December 6. The cycle is being organised with the support of Killarney Cycling Club and Christmas in Killarney, and all funds raised will go directly to the Lions’ annual Christmas Food Appeal.
The Food Appeal provides hampers to local families who need extra support over the festive season. Last year, the Lions distributed more than 100 hampers, and the club hopes to match that again this Christmas.
The Santa Cycle is a short, family-friendly spin around Killarney town, and everyone is welcome to take part. Participants are encouraged to dress up, Even a simple Santa hat will do and bring their bike.
Registration is now open at idonate.ie (search 2025 Killarney Santa Cycle), or through the event QR code. Entry costs €15 for adults, €5 for children, or €25 for a family.
The cycle will begin at Killarney Racecourse at 5.15pm, before joining the Christmas in Killarney Parade to lead it through the town.
Killarney Lions Club President Jason Higgins said the new event is a fun way to support an important annual project.
“Our Christmas Food Appeal is vital because we know this time of year can be difficult for some families. We provided over 100 hampers last year and we hope to do the same again,” he said.
“We heard about Santa Cycles being held elsewhere and thought it would be something different for Killarney. I’d encourage everyone to come along — it will be a bit of fun and will help raise much-needed funds.”