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Local musicians launch traditional Irish music orchestra

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By Sean Moriarty

Two Killarney musicians are behind a new project to create a traditional Irish music orchestra in Kerry.

Conor Moriarty from Kilcummin, graduated with a masters in traditional Irish music performance from the University of Limerick. He is a former All-Ireland champion at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on melodeon in 2009 and on button accordion the following year.

He and fellow UL graduate Seán Kelliher from Fossa, are behind a plan to create the orchestra. They will begin a 15-week rehearsal programme at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee on September 4 and they are calling on young musicians to get in touch with them.

“Kingdom Trad Orchestra is a new initiative to get musicians from Kerry and the surrounding areas to come together and perform as an orchestral ensemble. The orchestra will focus on arrangement within traditional Irish music along with new compositions, with the aim of bringing the orchestra to perform in a state-of-the-art theatre at the end of the term,” Conor explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

Starting on September 4, they will run a two-hour class in Tralee, one each for U12s from 10am to 12pm and a Youth Orchestra from 1pm to 3pm.

Interested applicants should send a two-minute video or audio clip to kingdomtradorchestra@gmail.com or via WhatsApp to 087 969 8063.

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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