News
Irish and Ukrainian music sounded good together
By Natalya Krasnenkova
Last week at the Innisfallen Hotel, Irish and Ukrainian musicians came together for a joint music evening. The idea came about from amateur musician Ciaran Ryan.
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Liz Lucey and Kevin Tarrant making music together at the Innisfallen Hotel.
SWEET SOUNDS: Mary Daly Claudia Stocki Geraldine Guilfoyle and Ciaran Ryan playing music at the Innisfallen Hotel.
TUNES: Mary Daly Geraldine Guilfoyle Ciaran Ryan Billy Joy and Noel Lucey playing some trad tunes at the Innisfallen Hotel.
CONCERT: Ukrainian Tetiana Neliepova singing at the Innisfallen Hotel during a music concert last week.
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Liz Lucey and Kevin Tarrant making music together at the Innisfallen Hotel.
SWEET SOUNDS: Mary Daly Claudia Stocki Geraldine Guilfoyle and Ciaran Ryan playing music at the Innisfallen Hotel.
TUNES: Mary Daly Geraldine Guilfoyle Ciaran Ryan Billy Joy and Noel Lucey playing some trad tunes at the Innisfallen Hotel.
CONCERT: Ukrainian Tetiana Neliepova singing at the Innisfallen Hotel during a music concert last week.
“We are an informal band that gathers every couple of weeks to play music," Ciaran Ryan said.
"We don't have a name, but you can call us 'Le Chéile' which means "together" in Irish. We don't plan what we play, we just play what comes to mind or what someone has to offer in the evening"
Ronnie Moore added that they "never play for money, just for fun usually about every two weeks".
"Regarding the repertoire, that is never organised. Someone just suggests the next tune as we go along!” he said.
Ukrainians, who love music and singing, really liked the impromptu concert. After Irish musicians, Ukrainians took microphones and guitars and sang several folk and modern compositions.
“We all very much enjoyed your music. You have great talent. I think folk and traditional music is linked no matter where in the world it is played. It is about sharing emotions and our common human bond," Ciaran added.
Ukrainians offered to play a Ukrainian song together with Irish musicians. Ronnie Moore instantly read the notes and picked up the melody. Everyone was delighted with this lightning-fast duo of Evgenia Omelchenko and Ronnie Moore.
“We absolutely loved your singing and your music in general - the flute was beautiful. The singing was full of feeling and sounded professional. We all really enjoyed the evening and it was an amazing feeling to be able to communicate through music. We think you are all inspired to have experienced what you have experienced and still welcome us and show such good spirits. It is an example of what human beings can endure. It was a joyful evening with an awareness of much underlying sadness. Thank you all for that," Ronnie said.
Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin
The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.
A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.
Killarney National Park Autumn Talks up and running
Following a successful opening presentation by award-winning photographer James Crombie on the mesmerising starling murmuration’s of Lough Ennell, the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series continues next week with a focus on Irish biodiversity.
The lineup for Thursday, October 15, features guest speaker Professor Grace McCormack of University College Galway, who will present a talk on “The Importance of Native Honeybees and Other Pollinators and Current Threats to Their Survival”.
Prof. McCormack’s address will explore the vital role native bees play in local ecosystems, the environmental pressures threatening their populations, and the conservation efforts required to ensure their survival.
Last night’s (October 8) opening talk, saw Inpho Sports Photography staff photographer James Crombie kick off the six-week series.
Crombie, named Irish Press Photographer of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2025, shared the story behind his famous images documenting Westmeath’s starling displays, which reached millions of viewers worldwide.
The Autumn Talks Series runs weekly for six weeks in the Killarney House Auditorium (V93 HE3C) at 8.00pm. Admission is free, though seating is limited. All presentations are also live streamed via the Killarney National Park Facebook page.
MESMERISING NATURE: Multi-award-winning photographer James Crombie, who opened the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series with a presentation on his famous starling murmuration photographs.
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