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Local hotel wins ‘Best Historic Hotel in Europe’

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BEST IN EUROPE: Ettienne van Vrede and Kamile Lyne of the Great Southern Killarney are honoured that the hotel has been named 'Best Historic Hotel in Europe'.

By Michelle Crean

What a way to start off 2021 - as one local business was awarded a huge accolade this week after being named 'Best Historic Hotel in Europe'.

It's been a tough 10 months for hotels but the news from the 2020 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence has certainly brought a smile to the staff at the Great Southern Killarney.

Historic Hotels Worldwide is based in Washington DC and comprises of a collection of more than 360 of the most prestigious historic treasures, including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning 10 centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognises authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Having first opened in 1854, Great Southern is described as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel and has proudly been a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2018.

“Congratulations to The Hayfield Family Collection, the Scally family, and the leadership and dedicated employees of the Great Southern Killarney (1854) for winning the 2020 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Best Historic Hotel in Europe," Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Washington DC based Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, said.

"We are delighted to recognise this magnificent historic hotel and its historic hoteliers for their dedication, enthusiasm, stewardship, and leadership. We honour the Scally family, who are third generation hoteliers, for their work in preserving and increasing the recognition and celebration of this legendary historic hotel since taking over ownership, and for preserving the Great Southern Killarney as an iconic cultural and heritage treasure for future generations.”

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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