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Tributes paid to first casualties of Easter Rising at Ballykissane Pier

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Mayor of Kerry Cllr Pat McCarthy lays a wreath in honour of the first casualties of the Easter Rising as an Army Piper plays a lament. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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Mayor of Kerry Cllr Pat McCarthy lays a wreath in honour of the first casualties of the Easter Rising as an Army Piper plays a lament. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
 


 
THREE Irish Volunteers who were the first fatalities of the Easter Rising were commemorated in Killorglin this morning.
Con Keating, Daniel Sheehan and Charlie Monahan drowned when the car they were in went off the pier at Ballykissane pier on Good Friday night 1916.
They were on their way to Caherciveen’s wireless station at Valentia Island with a view to transmitting a series of signals which would fool the Royal Navy into believing that a German attack on Scottish naval bases was imminent.
It was hoped that this would allow the Aud, the German ship carrying arms for the Irish Volunteers, to proceed unmolested through Irish waters.
At the State ceremony the three men were honoured, with invited guests, including relatives of the men, gathering at 8am.
Guest of honour at the event was Cllr Pat McCarthy, cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council.
A Defence Forces National Colour Party was present on the pier for the duration of the ceremony.
Music was performed by the Killorglin Pipe and Drum Band and local harpist Rheidun Schlesinger.
Kay Keating, a grandniece of Con Keating, spoke about the tragedy.
The Cathaoirleach was then invited to lay a wreath, which was presented to him by members of the Defence Force. A minute’s silence followed.
Meanwhile, The arrival of Sir Roger Casement on Kerry shores 100 years ago today is being marked by a State Ceremony now underway which is attended by President Michael D Higgins as part of the centrepiece of Kerry’s marking of the 1916 centenary.
At 12 noon, the only State ceremony to take place outside of Dublin began at Banna Strand to mark 100 years to the day since Sir Roger Casement and his comrades landed in an attempt to arm the volunteers of the Rising.
The keynote address is being given by President Higgins who will lay a wreath at the anchor of the Aud.
The national flag will be raised, the Proclamation read and the Air Corps will perform a flyover.
After the event President Higgins will unveil a bust of Roger Casement in Ardfert Village before visiting the Casement exhibition at the County Museum.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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