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Kenmare celebrates honorary Harry Potter status

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By Michelle Crean

Harry Potter fans are sure to flock to Kenmare - once restrictions have eased - as yesterday (Thursday) it was named recognised as an honorary Quidditch town.

The news comes due to the release of the new book, 'Quidditch Through The Ages Illustrated Edition', written by J.K Rowling and illustrated by Emily Gravett, and is an essential companion to the Harry Potter series and guide on the wizard’s favourite sport.

Bloomsbury Publishing presented Mayor of Kerry, Patrick Connor-Scarteen, with a decorative banner featuring gold Quidditch hoops celebrating the town’s fictitious Quidditch team, Kenmare Kestrals who feature in the wizarding world’s Quidditch league.

The banner also bears the town’s Quidditch team crest, an eye-catching design with gold and green patchwork.

The Mayor of Kerry was pictured next to the banner in an outdoor, socially distanced presentation with two young Harry Potter fans at Kenmare Stone Circle. During the official presentation, the young Harry Potter fans celebrated on their Nimbus 2000 broomsticks among the pre-historic stones used in ancient rituals and celebrations.

Throughout the week, honorary Quidditch town presentations will continue safely and in line with Government guidelines across the UK and Ireland. The ceremonies are being held at prehistoric sites, stone circles, medieval castles, Roman forts and churches, celebrating the release of 'Quidditch Through The Ages' and the real-life towns represented by Quidditch teams in the Harry Potter series.

In total eleven towns and villages across the UK and Ireland, from Appleby to Holyhead, Falmouth to Wimborne, are being honoured in celebration of the new book.

“We’re really proud to recognise Kenmare as an Honorary Quidditch Town," a spokesperson from Bloomsbury Publishing said.

“Harry Potter fans can now unearth the real-life towns and villages inspiring the names of Quidditch teams and we ask anyone planning a visit to Kenmare to first check national and local travel guidance on Coronavirus to ensure their visit is made safely."

The Mayor added that Kenmare is "delighted to be recognised as an Honorary Quidditch town".

"Harry Potter’s favourite sport Quidditch brings joy to children and adults across the world, and this decorative banner, emblazoned with the town’s team colours, shows our support for our beloved Quidditch team."

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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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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