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Storm Barra hits Christmas in Killarney festival

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The Christmas in Killarney committee has been left counting the cost of a devastating blow during Storm Barra which damaged a number of the spectacular floats that feature in the festive season magical parades.

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The painstakingly created artistic floats were housed in a heavy-duty, purpose acquired marquee in the grounds of Fitzgerald Stadium from where the parades commence on Saturday nights.

The marquee had been secured in a walled-in corner of the outside pitch on the Lewis Road side of the stadium but the sheer force of the violent gusts ripped the structure open and caused significant damage to some of the floats.

“We are still assessing the cost of the damage but we expect that it will at least run to a couple of thousand euro such was the ornate features of the floats,” said Christmas in Killarney Chairman and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President Niall Kelleher.

“The annual costs involved in running the Christmas in Killarney festival are very considerable and this was a big setback because, in the current climate, generating financial support was proving very difficult,” he added.

“If people want to offer support at this stage, they can donate online or buy a bulb for the Tree of Light Shine A Light project at one of the participating stores.”

It is understood that the damage occurred just before lunchtime on Tuesday when Killarney was taking a real battering with trees being knocked and slates ripped off buildings.

Another added cost for the festival organisers is the impact the red alert storm had on the spectacular Tree of Light on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral.

A number of the 4,500 energy-efficient feature bulbs on the 100ft tree were blown about in the strong gales with the connections becoming loose and there will be significant work and costs involved in repairing the damage.

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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