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Kerry’s award-winning beaches are making waves

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Good news for Kerry beaches.

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APPLAUSE rang out today as it was announced that Kerry’s beaches have again maintained their excellent standard with the awarding of 14 Blue Flags for 2016 by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland.

The Irish Blue Flag jury made the announcement of the accolades today. The flags are awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management. Beaches must also comply with EU bathing water directives to secure a Blue Flag.

Kerry has gained an additional Blue Flag this year with Fenit Harbour and Marina being included on the list to bring the total number of flags in the county to 14. The county now has two more Blue Flags than in 2013. Last year, Rossbeigh regained its flag following repairs carried out after storm damage the previous year.

Blue Flags have been awarded to Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Banna, Fenit, Magherabeg, Ventry, Inch, Rossbeigh, Kells, White Strand (Caherciveen), Ballinskelligs and Derrynane. In addition Fenit Harbour and Marina was awarded a Blue Flag for the 2016 season.

A Green Coast Flag has been awarded to Béal Bán Beach in Ballyferriter. Green Coast Flags are awarded where there is promotion and facilitation of coastal clean-up initiatives and where there are improvements in Ireland’s coastal environment.

The cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said: “Blue Flags are an indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a high standard, adding one new Blue Flag to the total in Kerry this year.”

The chief executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said: “These flags are a result of a collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.
‘Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in formulating strategies to keep County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag Programme, and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast.”

The director of services, John Breen, appealed to all beach users to ensure they leave no litter on the beaches of Kerry or damage the wonderful coastal areas in any way so that we can maintain and improve on our Blue Flag complement.

“As Kerry is the premier tourist county in Ireland, Kerry County Council has a responsibility to ensure that the beaches and infrastructure are presented to holidaymakers in the most attractive manner possible. The same applies to the people of Kerry who avail of the natural amenity that our beaches provide.”

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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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