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Tommy says goodbye to St Oliver’s after 38 years teaching

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By Michelle Crean

For over 40 years, teacher Tommy Galvin has been inspiring young scholars - but that is all behind him now as he said a final farewell on Friday as he retired.

​​​​​​​The well-known and popular teacher taught in St Oliver’s Ballycasheen for over 38 years, having begun his career teaching for three years in Ballymun, Dublin.

It was a different kind of retirement from one he may have imagined this time last year, as Level 5 restrictions and the school's COVID safety measures meant that there was no big fanfare in the school hall like there'd normally be.

However, Tommy, who is known for his love of nature and inspiring pupils to get out and explore their surroundings spent the last few weeks taking classes out on nature trips as his way of saying goodbye.

Tommy, who was also Assistant Principal and central to many aspects of school life, will be hugely missed by all in school, Principal Rory Darcy told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

"A respected teacher, his love of the outdoors ensured the children in his care learned about the flora and fauna of their native place," Rory said.

"Trips to Torc, Mangerton, Muckross, the Lakes and the Old Kenmare Road brought learning outside the classroom."

Tommy’s love of local history shone through his teaching – his pupils often learning that all national and even international events can be studied in a local context, he added.

"A keen sportsman, Mr Galvin believed in ‘sport for all’ organising a wide range of sports at school and inter-school level. His contribution to the spiritual life of the pupils in his care was also considerable, particularly around Confirmation classes. His interest and pride in the hundreds of pupils he taught over the years was incredible and meeting many of them around the town or at his beloved Killarney Legion brought Tommy great joy.

For the last month and a half he has taken groups out on nature trips, Rory explained.

"On Friday to mark the occasion he brought the Sixth Classes out to the forrest for a trip to say goodbye and we had a ceremony there. Seven, including Sheila Casey Chair of the Board of Management, Fr Niall Howard, Harry O'Neill from Killarney Golf Club, Mary his wife, Sean McDermott a retired teaching colleague, Deputy Principal Tim Horgan and myself, gathered in the hall and made a presentation to him. Tommy then called to each of the zones within the school to say goodbye. We will miss him. All in St Oliver’s wish Tommy, his wife Mary and their children Myles and Honor, every happiness in the years ahead."

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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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