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Enjoying the sweet sound of success at St Brendan’s

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THEY have thought of everything from revolutionary headphones and eco-friendly sugar burners to gaming devices that whisk you back in time so it's not surprising the young science whizzes at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, have been impressing at regional as well as local level.

Last Thursday some 19 students from the school participated in the 2016 Kerry regional finals of SciFest at the Institute of Technology Tralee. “The students exhibited exemplary projects displaying in-depth research and investigation as well as innovative entrepreneurial talent,” said St Brendan’s teacher Marian O’Gorman.

The school submitted a total of 12 projects. These were selected following the results of St Brendan’s in-house SciFest competition last March. The projects were based on a broad range of topics including brain injury, invasive species in Killarney National Park and Internet safety. A number of projects involved the invention of a device including drift turbines, a revolutionary set of headphones, an eco-friendly sugar burner and a tracking device.

The school won two awards at the event. Eoin O’Connell was awarded the Sustainable Energy award for his eco-friendly sugar burner. This burner offers a way forward as an alternative energy source which doesn’t burn fossil fuels. As a result, this is an energy source which does not pose any damage to the environment. Eoin may be selected to compete in the SciFest finals next November. Seán Farndon, Seán Myers and Aaron Duggan were awarded an honorary award for their invention of their revolutionary headphones. They carried out a study on a wide range of available brands of headphones and identified the strength of each brand. “By combining the best characteristics from each brand, the team designed their own headphones which are of excellent quality and can be retailed at the reasonable price of €20 per set,” said Marian.

 


 
Seán Farndon, Aaron Duggan and Seán Myers who received an honorary award for the headphones they designed.

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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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