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Local DJ’s relief to be back behind the decks

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By Michelle Crean

It hasn't been the easiest 19 months for most industries - and for one local man it's pure relief to finally be getting behind the decks.

DJ Cian Shiels from Pinewood, who runs Funktion Events is finally looking forward to his first gig back in almost two years.

He has been booked to run his own event night at this year's K-FEST in Killorglin which takes place on Saturday (October 23).

At the K-FEST gig he will headline the show in O'Sheas Bar, Killorglin and will team up with Killarney's George Heelan, and Jonno Brien and Karl Seery from Tralee, for a night of techno and house music which is expected to last four and a half hours. It begins at 7pm and entry is free.

"I've been out of work due to COVID-19, and this will be my first gig back in almost two years," Cian told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I'm nervous because it's so long since I did a gig. It's like starting all over again."

Cian is no stranger in town as he helps set up the stages for gigs in the INEC and Europe Hotel. He was also working as backstage crew for the recent ANSEO gigs who hosted the first gigs for many singers and bands since the shutdown began.

He set up Funktion Events in 2017 and past guest DJs included Rebuke from Letterkenny, Mark Reeve from Germany, Ejeca from Antrim and Harvey McKay from Glasgow. The shutdown happened so suddenly, but Cian thought he'd be back to business within weeks.

"The last gig was set up in McSorleys but we didn't go ahead with it. I left the gear in there and said we'd run it in a week or two."

It was months later before he collected the equipment.

"It's great to be back working again," he said.

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Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra

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Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra


Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.


Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and

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Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry

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Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of shooting the project entirely in Kerry using a local cast and crew.


The group has been working on various side projects, including short films, and has successfully pitched a potential feature film script.
Before embarking on the film project, the group will return to the stage for a three-night summer run at Courtney’s Bar on College Street from Monday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 24.
The upcoming production features four new short comic plays focused on dark humour and off-beat reflections on human behaviour.
Tickets for the performances are available via Eventbrite, and the group has also launched a new Instagram page to provide updates on both the live shows and their film ambitions.
“The summer is here that means two things. Warm rain and Four Esquires Productions have four new theatrical plays at Courtneys,” said spokesperson Brian Bowler. “The group have been busy on side projects including short films and successfully pitching a potential feature film. The end goal is to have it shot in Kerry utilising Kerry cast and crew. But before they do that we are back with new material and performers. We encourage all to get tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Audiences can expect off beat reflections on human behaviour.”

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