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Adding a splash of purple to the community

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HELPING: Sisters Janine and Imogen O'Connor, daughters of Rotarian Angela O'Connor, pictured with Anne Alcock (Rotary President), Br Keon and Br Matthias planting crocus corms at the Friary. 

 

By Michelle Crean

Each spring a beautiful purple carpet of crocus blooms in many communities across the world - including Killarney - to raise awareness of the Rotary fight for a polio free world.

Last spring, a magnificent display of purple crocuses bloomed on the lawn of St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, thanks to the purple crocus corm planting, as a visual reminder of the world-wide Rotary Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Next spring, inspired by the example, a section of lawn of the Franciscan Friary adjacent to the KDYS driveway at Fair Hill, will mark the same message, while spring beauty brings hope and cheers eyes, minds and hearts.

World Polio Day on Saturday, October 24 had to be anticipated slightly ahead of schedule, due to the Level 5 lockdown, and crocus corms had to be quickly planted by Killarney Club President Anne Alcock with the assistance of some the Franciscans and Imogen and Janine O’Connor (Rotary member Angela’s daughters) on Wednesday, October 21.

"They will hopefully all come up purple, because purple has become the symbolic colour in the Rotary fight against polio, inspired by the colour of the dye painted on the finger of a child, to signify that they have received their potentially life-saving polio vaccine," Anne said.

"These are just some of the great ways that supporting Purple4Polio can result in great Rotary projects for outreach into our own local communities."

In August of this year, Rotary and its partners across the world celebrated a significant milestone, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified the African region, which includes 47 countries, free from wild polio.
This leaves just Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two remaining polio endemic countries in the world. But despite the momentous progress, more challenging work lies ahead to eradicate the disease for good. Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts.

To get involved, and make a difference, visit www.rotarygbi.org/join.
The Rotary End Polio Now enthusiasts in Ireland are the Rotary clubs of Killarney, Dingle, Antrim, Athlone, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Dublin Central, Dublin North, Dun Laoghaire, Letterkenny, Mallow, Newry, and Newtownabbey.

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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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