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Tree of Light star to honour Rena’s memory

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A woman who dedicated much of her life to ensuring Killarney was a special place to live in and visit every Christmas is being remembered in the town in a very special way this festive season.

The feature star on the spectacular Tree of Light in Killarney takes on an extra special meaning this year as it will be dedicated to the late Rena Kennelly, the gifted artist who designed and created the magnificent Christmas crib in St Mary’s Cathedral for over 50 years.

She had been at the helm of that project every Christmas season since the Church was refurbished in the 1970s and her work was created using life-sizes figures, a striking stable full of animals, an artificial lake, fir trees and moss which she sourced herself.

Fittingly, she also helped create the state-of-the-art new crib – designed for a new generation – which was unveiled last year and she was also responsible for the design of the wonderfully atmospheric sacred space in the cathedral.

Rena, who passed away last March, lived in Aghadoe, Killarney and formerly at Cleeny, Killarney and Ballymullen, Tralee.

For her incredible dedication, she received the coveted Benemerenti Medal in August 2022 which is the highest honour Pope Francis can bestow on a person for services to the Church. She was also honoured with a civic award by Kerry County Council.

Rena worked in her earlier years as a nurse in Scotland before she met the dashing Colm Kennelly, a Trinity graduate and a fine footballer who was the youngest member of the Kerry team that won the 1953 All-Ireland.

Colm then worked as a civil engineer for the ESB in Tralee and affairs of the heart brought her home. They later moved to Guyana in South America before returning home again four years later when Colm accepted an offer to join Kerry County Council, later to become county engineer.

Predeceased by Colm, Rena is mum to daughters Shirley and Kate and son Mark.
She is greatly missed too by her daughter-in-law Paula, sons-in-law John Joe Clifford and Dan O’Driscoll, sister Margaret Moriarty, brother Gene O’Sullivan, grandchildren Jason, Kenneth, Ciara, Colm, Ailbhe, Justine and Catherine and great-grandchildren Roan and Ben.

Chairman of the Christmas in Killarney Committee, Cllr Niall Kelleher, said the star dedication was a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who is very fondly remembered in the town.
“Rena was a wonderfully creative and gifted woman and we all saw her remarkable work in the cathedral every year,” he said.

The Tree of Light and the feature star will be officially switched on after 6.15pm Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday, 9December 2).
The 1,000ft Californian Redwood tree is adorned with over 3,500 energy efficient bulbs.
In previous years the Tree of Light star was dedicated to the memory of Johnny Hickey and Yvonne Quilll for their dedication to the Tidy Towns campaign and Paul Coghlan, who is a former President of Killarney Chamber of Commerce.

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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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