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Killarney students enjoy trip of a lifetime to Shanghai

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Students from St Brigid’s Secondary School and St Brendan’s College enjoying their trip to Shanghai.

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Ciara Carroll, transition-year student, Brigid’s Secondary School, reports on how she and her fellow voyagers benefited from their recent stay in China

OVER the Easter Break, 15 lucky students from both St Brigid’s Secondary School and St Brendan’s College were given the opportunity to attend a two-week long Easter Chinese language camp in Shanghai University. St Brendan’s was given 10 places and we were given 5. The places were decided through a raffle between the people who had interest in going.
The first five names who were picked out of the hat were Laura Corlett, Aoife Kelliher, Caitlin Kerin, Claire O’Leary and myself, Ciara Carroll. We were ecstatic when we received the news.
As we were attending the camp, we also entered a ‘Chinese Bridge’ competition which was developed so that China and Ireland can strengthen their relationship. The competition included a one-minute introduction and a five-minute talent show, both to be spoken in Chinese. Qi Qi, our Chinese teacher, was kind enough to help us with both the speeches and talents.
Our group read an ancient poem and the boys sang “If you’re happy and you know it” in Chinese. Some of the acts were incredibly talented as some actually had lived in China for quite some time. Afterwards we had a break which was followed by a quiz on Chinese culture. The day was great and was fantastic experience for us all.
On March 17, we were ready to depart from Cork Airport to Shanghai. The boys went from Cork to London for their layover and we went from Cork to Amsterdam. We then met up in Shanghai where we went for a welcome dinner.
Over the next two weeks, we attended Chinese classes and lectures to expand our knowledge on China, its language and its culture. Our Chinese teacher, Panda, told us that on our last day we would be taking a test that would examine us in what we had learned the past two weeks. I will admit, the classes were very difficult as they lasted from either one hour and forty minutes to three hours. Saying that, they were still very enjoyable. The lectures would be two hours long and covered different topics such as Chinese culture, history and economics. We learned many new things that helped us in our everyday lives there. We had one class and lecture a day unless we were to go on a day trip. These day trips included visiting the Ancient Water City, the West Lake in Hangzou and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
The culture there is quite different to the culture here in Ireland. The main difference would have to be the food in my opinion. The food there is cooked in a different oil so it is actually very healthy. We all tried a various number of interesting foods such as dumplings, sushi and calamari.
We also went to Nanjing road which was the New York of Shanghai. The lights and shops were mesmerising.
Overall, our trip to Shanghai was simply amazing. I would go back there in a heartbeat. Everyone made so many new friends and learned so much about the beautiful country of China.
 


 
Students from St Brigid’s Secondary School and St Brendan’s College enjoying their trip to Shanghai.

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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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