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New species of moth recorded in Killarney National Park

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A new moth not previously recorded in Ireland was confirmed this week from Killarney National Park by amateur moth enthusiast Stephen Cotter.

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The moth is named Scoparia Ancipitella or 'Northern Grey and it is very small and is a light grey mottled colour: Perfect for camouflaging against tree trunks during the day.

Stephen roams the quieter parts of the National Park at unearthly hours of the morning and night to catch a glimpse of these rare and beautiful species

Speaking about his new recording, Stephen remarked, “People may not appreciate the incredible moth diversity we have in Ireland. We have over 1500 different species and new species are being recorded every year by a small but dedicated network of so called moth-ers!. Some of the new species recorded are related to weather and winds, some due to transportation of plants and foodstuffs, some like this moth are probably always present but in low numbers and simply not recognised.”

The caterpillars of this moth feed on Lichens and mosses. “People think that caterpillars only eat leaves but in reality, they feed on a huge range of items including plants, mosses, fungi, rotting leaves and wood; even the hides and feathers of dead creatures! Moths are in this way incredibly important in the recycling of nutrients. And, of course, everything wants to eat them, they can be thought of as the “plankton of the forest”, and in this way support a huge diversity of creatures.” Earlier this year, Stephen recorded a rare ‘White Prominent Leucodonta’ - thought to be extinct in Ireland. Stephen has recorded over 400 different species in Killarney National Park and Kerry County.

The fact that enthusiasts and Conservation Rangers are still finding new species is a sign of the richness of our moth fauna. Killarney National Park is an astounding area of rich biodiversity and this is further evidence of that.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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