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Noel focuses on the famine in newly launched book

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The International Hotel provided the perfect venue for the launch of a book by local man Noel Grimes on Friday.

The book, entitled 'An Gorta Mór 1845 - 1850 and its effects in the Killarney area', is the result of many years of research by Noel into how this famine impacted the people of Killarney.

His interest began when he was asked to lead a group of schoolchildren on a tour of famine related sites in the town.

By studying local newspapers from the 1840s and minutes of workhouse Board of Guardians meetings, he saw just how the poor struggled to survive.

The research did not end with the tour but continued for many years resulting in this book. From exploring the origins of the Killarney Workhouse, now St Columbanus's Home, to the desperate conditions in the town's laneways, 'An Gorta Mór' tells the story of the ordinary people of Killarney.

At the launch, a delighted Noel said he hoped his book would "provide a window into the hardships experienced by those living in the town at that time".

Limited copies of the book are available from Quill's Menswear in Killarney. Inquiries to gortamor@hotmail.com.

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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