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Grab your sword and head back to medieval times

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Tralee 800 takes place in June.

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TIME travel is on the horizon in Tralee in June as it voyages back through the centuries to the medieval era. An action-packed programme of free entertainment for all the family has been launched this week for the forthcoming Tralee 800 Weekend which is being held to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of Tralee.

Medieval re-enactments, pageants, a history village, a ‘Battle for Tralee’ and ‘Ye Olde Banquet’ all form part of a programme of dozens of free events which run from Friday, June 17, to Sunday, June 19.

Tralee was founded by John FitzThomas Fitzgerald in 1216 and the Tralee 800 Weekend will be the highlight of a year-long celebration of the anniversary. Kerry County Council has been working with local groups to arrange a large number of free and public events aimed at highlighting the town’s history and heritage and the weekend will feature music, re-enactments, exhibitions, walks and presentations.

The Tralee 800 Programme incorporates the annual Féile na mBláth Garden Festival and the Heroes’ Week Gathering of Emergency Services which is part of the Kerry 1916 Centenary Programme. Local emergency services will be joined by visiting services from other parts of Ireland, London and Massachusetts, USA. The highlight will be the Heroes’ Parade with Massed Bands marching from The Square to Denny Street and Town Park at 3.30pm on Sunday, June 19.

As part of Tralee 800, Rock band, Delorentos will perform on the stage in The Square on Friday 17th June, there will be a 35-strong re-enactments by Déise Medieval on Saturday 18th and a Food and Craft Village on the Park Plaza all weekend. Copies of the programme are now available from local outlets, from Kerry County Council and from the Tralee Chamber Alliance and online at www.tralee.ie.

The cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and Chairman of Tralee 800, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said: “Tralee has a long and proud history from the very foundation of the town in the 13th century to the present day. We are looking forward to sharing and celebrating the town’s history and traditions with locals and visitors alike during this exciting weekend.

“We are inviting people of all ages to engage with the history of the town through a series of exciting and interactive events where young and old can learn more about what life was like in our county town 800 years ago. The vast majority of the events are free and suitable for all ages. And when incorporated with Féile na mBláth and Heroes’ Week, it promises to be a fantastic occasion,” he said.

Tralee 800 is supported by Kerry County Council, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kerry Group, Fáilte Ireland, Tralee Credit Union, Lee Strand and the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society.
 


 
Above, members of Déise Medieval who will perform at Tralee 800.

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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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