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Irish Cancer Society urgently needs volunteer drivers in Kerry

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THE Irish Cancer Society is urgently looking for more drivers for its Volunteer Driver Service in Kerry to drive cancer patients to their chemotherapy appointments in University Hospital Kerry, Cork University Hospital and the Mercy Hospital Cork.

The service is free to both the hospital and the patient with volunteers being paid a contribution towards their fuel allowance and road toll costs. The Society recruits and trains volunteers and asks only that volunteers have free weekday availability, can commit to two weekdays a month and have access to a car.

The Volunteer Driver Service is now available from 18 hospitals nationwide with the Society’s drivers bringing 1,040 patients on 10,822 journeys in total last year. In Kerry, 235 journeys were facilitated for patients in 2015 which was a 34% increase on the previous year, and the demand is increasing.

Gail Flinter, Irish Cancer Society said, “The Volunteer Driver Service gives cancer patients access to free transport to and from their chemotherapy treatments, removing the stress and difficulty of travelling at a challenging time. The Irish Cancer Society is looking for drivers in Kerry who would be willing to drive patients to and from their treatments and in doing so, make a direct impact on the lives of those living with cancer.

“There are a number of reasons why a cancer patient may need to use the Volunteer Driver Service: they may have been advised not to drive by their doctor due to the aggressive nature of treatment; the patient may have no family in the immediate vicinity or they may be unable to take time off work to transport them to treatment."

The Volunteer Driver Service was developed in 2008 by the Irish Cancer Society. Now in the ninth year of the national rollout of the service, demand for the service continues to grow.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer or would like further information should contact Gail at the Irish Cancer Society on 01-231 05 66, email transport@irishcancer.ie or see www.cancer.ie

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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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