Four Esquires Productions, the Killarney creative group known for its dark-humour pub performances, has completed work on a new stage following strong encouragement from local audiences.

The group includes writer and director Paddy Osborne, whose short film Chameleon will be submitted to the festival circuit this year. Osborne is also working on his third novel. Producer Brian Bowler, who worked on Chameleon, has two additional short films nearing completion.
Their live performances, particularly the series staged in Courtney’s Bar over the summer, drew enthusiastic crowds. Bowler said the group received repeated suggestions to build a permanent stage to improve future shows. Members pooled their resources to cover materials and reached out to Killarney Men’s Shed for assistance.
“As an amateur troupe that works with creatives across Killarney, we were very grateful for the once-off help from the Men’s Shed,” Bowler said.
The group is now preparing to launch a call-out in early 2026 for original 10-minute plays based on the theme of Change. Writers and actors will be invited to take part, offering an opportunity to showcase local talent on the new stage.
“We’re looking forward to using the stage to entertain our loyal followers,” Bowler added.

An impactful Parents of Teens Workshop, hosted by mental-health advocate Neil Kelders, was held on Thursday, November 13, at The Panoramic, Race Course, drawing a huge turnout of around 140 attendees.

Parents, teachers, coaches, carers, and community workers gathered for an evening centred on connection, communication and emotional wellbeing.

Although Neil no longer lives in Killarney, his work takes him to communities across Ireland and beyond.

He made a special journey home to give back to the place where his inspiration for this path first began.

It was during difficult times in Killarney that Neil found his purpose in supporting the wellbeing of others and returning to share that message carried deep meaning.

Neil opened the evening with a deeply personal video he had recorded during one of the lowest points in his life, a moment originally meant as a goodbye.

The room fell silent, ears tuned, hearts open.

From there, he spoke honestly about his struggles with anxiety, depression and the silence that stigma often forces. His message resonated strongly: check in with loved ones, even when the signs aren’t visible.

The workshop was highly interactive, with attendees openly sharing concerns before Neil addressed them with practical strategies and compassionate insight.

The central theme was clear: keep communication open and create safe spaces for young people.

Community members offered powerful reflections.

Eamonn Fitzgerald praised Neil’s “unmasking,” reminding everyone that “it is ok to say ‘I am not ok’.”

Gemma Hilario said the evening “opened dialogue on mental health and helped remove stigma.”

Lisa Hegarty found the workshop “incredibly insightful and empowering.”

Elaine O’Neill praised the “invaluable toolbox” Neil provided for supporting loved ones.

Frances O’Sullivan highlighted Neil’s lived-experience coaching, offering “actionable strategies to better approach and listen to young adults.”

The evening left a lasting impact, 140 families, classrooms and teams better equipped, supported and connected.