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Belfast cataract service back up and running

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By Michelle Crean

Cataract procedures in Belfast have resumed five months since the bus stopped travelling due to COVID restrictions.

This week, TD Danny Healy-Rae said that he's delighted that the buses are back bringing patients to have their cataracts removed to avoid the long waiting lists in the south.

The consultation and procedure takes place at the Kings Bridge Private Hospital in Belfast under the Cross Border Directive with most of the cost refunded afterwards by the HSE.

These buses have been organised since November 2017 to ensure people who would otherwise wait years on the waiting list here can get their cataracts removed in Belfast without waiting, Deputy Healy-Rae explained.

“The first two trips since lockdown on August 1 and 8 have been successful and I look forward to the next bus on August 15. There will be another bus travelling in September and the date is yet to be confirmed.”

Those travelling on the bus now need to have a COVID test done before travel which is free of charge. Everything is arranged for the trip, COVID test is booked, return bus from Kerry to Belfast with
O‘Callaghan’s Coaches Killarney, overnight hotel accommodation and transfer from the hotel to the hospital.

“I am glad to get this much needed service back up and running again for all the people who badly need it and will be continuing this service into the future to ensure that people retain their eyesight.”

If anybody with cataract problems is interested in travelling to Belfast for the procedure or would like more information they can contact Danny Healy-Rae on 064 6685315, 087 9975419 or 087 2316055.

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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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