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Dance championships worth €12 million to local economy

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By Michelle Crean

The arrival of over 1,400 dancers and their supporters, who are competing in the World Irish Dance Championships over the next six days, is set to bring as much as €12 million to the local economy - a huge economic boost for the town.

Competitors have travelled from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland to take part in the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships which kick off in Killarney today.

They will compete for a world title in the championships at The Gleneagle and INEC Arena which runs until Saturday.

Over 19 competitions take place over the six-day championships and winners are announced every day after each competition.

The competitions are held in the INEC auditorium and The Gleneagle Ballroom. The age profile of the competitors is nine to over 21-years-old.

The competitors will be accompanied by an entourage of organisers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters and spectators.

This is Killarney’s sixth occasion to host the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.

The economic benefits of these championships will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and many other businesses. Studies carried out between 2016 and 2019 calculated the championships were worth €12 million to the local economy.

An Chomhdháil, the organisation who run the World Irish Dance Championships, have an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish dance organisations, being the first to bring in the no make-up rule for girls up to and including under 12 years of age in 2007. Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under 10 through to adult.

“We are honoured to welcome the 2022 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships,” Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group, said. “We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”

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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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