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“Funding will put us in a better place” – Airport CEO

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By Sean Moriarty

 

Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern has welcomed Government funding that will help the airport “navigate through this difficult winter”. On Tuesday, the Department of Transport announced an €80 million funding package for Irish airports following a disastrous year for the sector.

Kerry Airport has suffered particularly badly as a result of pandemic related restrictions.

Management there bravely kept the airport at Farranfore fully operational, even during the first lockdown that grounded Ryanair flights to and from the airport.

During the spring, only the Kerry-Dublin commuter flight operated but there was some hope when Ryanair started a limited schedule to and from German and British airports despite a very limited number of passengers using the services.

That was reversed once Level 5 restrictions came into force three weeks ago. Ryanair took the decision to stop flying to Kerry and other regional airports until December 14.

Kerry Airport were left with no choice but to lay off the majority of its staff as a result of the Ryanair decision, the first time this year they took any action that affected staff despite plummeting passenger numbers.

“The announcement of additional aviation supports is most warmly welcomed and appreciated. It will go some way to help us, eventually find our way back to full employment and busy flight schedules, here in Kerry and at all our islands’ airports,” Mr Mulhern said. “Thank you Deputy Brendan Griffin and Minister Norma Foley despite your hectic agendas you always find time for us. Thanks to all our county’s elected officials for your continued and loyal support of our great airport. Nobody says this crisis is over but you collectively put a hand on our backs to support us and we appreciate that.”

Kerry Airport will share over €6m in funding with Donegal and Knock Airports for operational support. This is in addition to the €21m already put aside in Budget 2021 for capital grants in regional airports.

Airport bosses previously said that every effort will be made to get all employees back to the workplace as soon as possible and they will stay in touch and available throughout the layoff and contact staff with any updates as soon as possible.

Kerry Airport, up until last week, was the only airport in the country that had not laid off staff.

“This will help get people back to work sooner than we imagined,” Mr Mulhern told the Killarney Advertiser but warned that cannot happen until Ryanair return to the airport. “This funding will put us in a better place and we will get employees back once Ryanair increases flights.”

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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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