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Forestry rally a huge success for KDMC

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3 years ago

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TOP LOCALS: Diarmuid Lynch and Eleanor Looney rallying on the gravel roads near Mount Eagle on Sunday. Photo: Dylan Clifford

Diarmuid Lynch and Eleanor Looney had the honour of being the first all-Killarney and District Motor Club crew to finish Sunday’s Castleisland-based Forestry Rally.

They won the James O’Rourke Memorial Trophy, presented by the O’Rourke family from Brosna in memory of James who died in a road traffic accident while returning from a forestry rally in Cork about 20 years ago.

This was only Eleanor’s third rally as a co-driver.

The rally was run to raise funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance and was jointly sponsored by Wharton Tool Hire and Castleisland Tyre Centre.

A huge team of KDMC members worked tirelessly over the last two months to get the rally off the ground.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved. The feedback I got from competitors was unbelievable. They all had a mighty day,” said Clerk of the Course Adrian Cronin.

“The team that rowed in behind me was the key to the day's success. Each and every one of them deserve every bit of credit that KDMC has received.”

Other locals to do well in the event included Rathmore schoolteacher Declan Casey and his driver Hugh McQuaid who won the overall Two-Wheel driver rally.

Mike O’Donoghue and Padraig Dineen were third in Class 4 in their Mitsubishi Lancer E8.

London-based Shane Buckley guided Tipperary driver Casey Jay Coleman to second in Class 2 in what was their first time working together.

Event sponsor Cyril Wharton and co-driver Donal Falvey had to rely on SuperRally rules to get to the finish after the turbo failed in their Subaru Impreza on their road section to the opening stage.

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Biddy’s Day festival returns to Mid-Kerry

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4 hours ago

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23 January 2026

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The Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival began yesterday and is running until February 2.

The festival is taking place across Killorglin, Cromane and the wider Mid-Kerry region, bringing together craft, music, language, ritual and community in the lead-up to St Brigid’s Day.

At the heart of the festival is the ancient Biddy tradition, rooted in Imbolc and the honouring of St Brigid, a time associated with light, renewal, creativity and protection.

Over twelve days, the festival offers a wide mix of family-friendly, traditional and contemporary events, culminating in its most anticipated moment of the year: The Biddy’s Parade.

The parade, taking place on Saturday January 31,is the centrepiece and defining event of the festival.

On parade night, Killorglin town is transformed as Biddy groups from across Mid-Kerry gather in straw hats and traditional costume, carrying Brídeógs through the streets in a powerful procession of fire, music, movement and celebration.

The parade is free, open to all to join in or support, and remains one of the most atmospheric and visually striking expressions of living Irish folklore in the country.

Fire performers, live music and street celebrations follow, before the night continues into the town’s venues.

Founded in 2017, the Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival has been instrumental in reviving a tradition that had been in serious decline.

From just two active Biddy groups less than a decade ago, the region now supports a growing network of groups, with children, families and new communities actively involved.

The 2026 festival continues this work, blending heritage with creativity and ensuring the tradition remains relevant, inclusive and alive.

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Spa and Glenflesk GAA clubs in Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals

Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals. Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, […]

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5 hours ago

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23 January 2026

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Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals.

Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, will carry the hopes of the county as they compete for national titles.
Representing Spa GAA is the Rince Seit (Set Dancing) team, who secured their place in the final after being crowned Munster champions in November.
Joining them in the finals are the Glenflesk GAA Ballad Group.

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