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Multi-award winning musician to perform on home soil 

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A very talented musician from Killarney, who has not only toured with Riverdance but also won multiple awards for her fiddle and concertina playing, will perform locally this Saturday night. 

Niamh Ní Charra toured from 1998 to 2006 as a soloist with Riverdance, before returning to Ireland where she is now based. Her recently released fifth album 'Donnelly’s Arm', recorded under challenging circumstance during the COVID-19 and several lockdowns, has none-the-less received much critical and public acclaim.

Niamh will be joined by regular bandmates Kevin Corbett on guitar, and Dom Keogh on bodhran at 9pm in the INEC Acoustic Club, Gleneagle Hotel.

"The album, my fifth, was recorded in between lockdowns, and released just over a year ago," Niamh said.
"It's only now I'm finally getting to perform on home soil. The gig was moved from January because of restrictions that came in December."

Niamh will be performing material from all five of her albums. 2022 will mark 15 years since she released her first album 'Ón Dá Thaobh/From Both Sides' to critical acclaim, and her most recent album was just crowned Number 1 Trad album of 2021 in reviewer Alex Monaghan’s Top Ten. Alex is a reviewer for several publications including Irish Music Magazine, Living Tradition and FolkWorld.

Niamh is strongly influenced by a wealth of local Sliabh Luachra musicians, she started playing music at the early age of four.

AWARDS

She is the recipient of several awards including 'Instrumental Album of the Year' in 2014 in the Chicago Irish American News’ TIR awards for her previous album 'Cuz', 'Female Musician of the Year' in 2012 and 2014, in the Live Ireland Music Awards, 'Best Trad Music Act 2008' from UK publication The Irish World, and 'Best Fiddle/Violin 2008' from the American based Irish Music Association. Her music also featured on the programme 'Ireland in Song' which aired on Aer Lingus transatlantic flights.

Along with touring extensively as a solo artist and with her own band, Niamh has also performed and recorded with The Chieftains, Carlos Núñez, and in 2011 released an album 'The Basque Irish Connection', in collaboration with Basque musician Ibon Koteron. She regularly gives workshops and masterclasses on both fiddle and concertina, has performed for several presidents and members of royalty and has additionally coordinated concerts hosted by the Irish embassy, on behalf of the Government.

Niamh is also a professional archivist and is currently project manager and project archivist for the Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League) and Mary Robinson Collections in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

She is also the Communications and Campaigns officer for the Archives and Records Association, Ireland, and regularly gives presentations on her work in this field. She is a founding member and archivist for the volunteer campaign group FairPlé established in 2018, which aims to achieve gender balance in production, performance, promotion and development of Irish traditional and folk music.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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