News
Killarney to take a walk on the wild side
Killarney will fully emerge from lockdown with a vengeance in the coming weeks when the town plays host to the long-awaited Wander Wild Festival, the first post-pandemic festival event on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland’s undisputed adventure capital is preparing to take a walk on the wild side with an innovative and exciting programme of events for outdoor enthusiasts, culture and food aficionados and those anxious to make that great escape.
The Wander Wild Festival in Killarney will run from March 25-27 inclusive and it will see the unprecedented limitations of the past two years banished to distant memory as springtime is enthusiastically embraced with pageantry, passion, drama, adventure and action-packed workshops.
Offering a great escape in Ireland’s most spectacular adventure playground, with a contemporary and extensive line-up of events, Killarney will come alive with a full-on programme and large numbers of visitors are expected to descend on the town to join in the fun.
On the opening night of the festival, at 6pm, a spectacular opening equinox parade through the streets will dramatically celebrate the death of winter and the birth of spring and the flickering flame of a new dawn will illuminate the town.
ADVENTURES
The adventures on offer throughout the weekend will include mountain hikes, kayak and boat trips on the lakes, a guided national park cycle, a photography workshop, orienteering, lake walks, rock climbing and abseiling adventures, night nature walks and a short film festival while plans for an exciting trail race are also at a very advanced stage.
A really novel and fun feature will be sunrise dips in the water at Dundag, yoga sessions at a fabulous wellness hub and great activities for children.
An exciting town centre food trail will focus on the authentic tastes of Kerry food and drink and there will be music and fun in lively venues right through the weekend.
A number of high-profile guest speakers have been lined up to share their life experiences, including gifted writer and storyteller Michael Harding who is expected to explore rituals, love, the ocean, the human spirit – and chest pain.
“The Wander Wild Festival is a really fantastic opportunity for people to mark the declining pandemic by escaping for a few days to enjoy our awe-inspiring park, mountains and our town, among friends old and new,” organising committee chairman Pat Chawke said.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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