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Ballyhar singer/songwriter to launch new album

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This week journalist with the Killarney Advertiser Sean Moriarty is 'In Conversation' with Killarney singer-songwriter Karrie O’Sullivan who will release her new album ‘Home Thoughts’ this week.

Killarney singer-songwriter Karrie O’Sullivan will release her new album ‘Home Thoughts’ this week after being inspired by the success of her social media gigs during lockdown.

At that time she worked with her producer and guitarist Jimmy Smyth on a series of covers by stars like Rod Stewart and Elton John which were broadcast on her social media channels. The online experiment was so successful that they reached over 250,000 people, so they decided to go all out and record an album.

“[The social media] performance alleviated people from their boredom during lockdown,” Karrie told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am forever grateful to those who tuned in, shared and liked as they provided the inspiration to release the album. From that point it has already been a success.”

However, recording an album in these socially challenging times is not easy with safely guidelines to follow as two artists go into a small recording studio to work together.

Each song was recorded remotely, with Karrie recording on her iPhone in Ballyhar and Jimmy with his guitar and banjo in his studio in Dublin.

“The iPhone is known for its quality microphone,” she said. “The sound engineer was able to tell me the make and model of my phone.”

'Home Thoughts', which will be on released this Friday (August 28), will feature new versions of classic songs such as David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ and James Taylor’s ‘Carolina in My Mind’.

“The Facebook music helped people all over the world when they were at home bored,” she added. "'Life on Mars’ had over 120k views, and one lady contacted me from New York. It was played at her friend’s funeral after her friend specifically asked for my cover.”

In the past Karrie has had three top five singles in Ireland, she has toured with the likes of Declan O'Rourke, Mick Flannery, Mary Coughlan and Rumer.

Indeed Flannery is her nephew, the son of her late sister Elaine.

Coughlan recorded one of Karrie’s self-penned songs ‘Elbow Deep’, while fellow musician Sharon Shannon has called her the Irish Joni Mitchell.

“That was a great compliment from Sharon. You would have to ask her why she said that," Karrie added. “I am a huge Joni Mitchell fan and Sharon asked me to sing one her songs one night and that is where that came from.”

She is also working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. They liked her version of ‘Life on Mars’ and that is set to be released as a single in the coming weeks.

“There are talks of a potential show too,” she added. “But everything is loop-the-loop still.”

She also trains horses.

“I break horses,” she explained. “I have competed in showjumping and still break racehorses on our family farms in Ballyhar and Castleisland.”

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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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