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World Rally Champion Kalle  Rovanperä made a special appearance at Kelliher’s Toyota Garage

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Double FIA World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä made a special appearance at Kelliher’s Toyota Garage in Tralee on Wednesday, ahead of his participation in the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally.

Earlier this week TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team confirmed its driver line-up for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship.
 
Rovanperä will return to a full-time campaign with the team, following a partial 2024 season, when they secured four wins from seven starts for the Japanese manufacture.
Wednesday’s visit to the Tralee dealership was his first public appearance since Monday’s announcement by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team.
 
During his part-time season, Rovanperä broadened his motorsport experience, competing in various events, including the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux.
 
Rovanperä took four wins from seven starts in this year’s World Rally Championship and contributed to Toyota’s fourth Manufacturer’s World title in a row.
 
For the Killarney Historic Rally, he will take the wheel of a Toyota Starlet loaned by leading Irish national rally driver Jason Black.
 
The deal was pulled together by former WRC co-driver, Killarney man, Paul Nagle and current WRC co-driver, Tyrone man Aaron Johnston who navigates for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team’s Takamoto Katsuta.
 
Kelliher’s Toyota, the long-standing Toyota dealership in Kerry is one of Rovanperä’s sponsors for the Killarney Historic Rally.
 
 The Tralee-based dealership offers a wide range of new Toyota vehicles, a diverse selection of used cars, and comprehensive aftersales services, including an award-winning body shop.
 
Managing Director Tim Kelliher said:
“We were thrilled to host Kalle ahead of the rally. Their presence here is a huge boost for the event and for rally fans in Kerry. It’s an honour to showcase our Toyota dealership to one the sport’s biggest stars.”
 Other guests attending Wednesday’s included Kelliher’s Toyota brand ambassadors Paralympian Jordan Lee and Kerry footballer Paudie Clifford.
 Rally fans will have another chance to meet the Finnish duo during a special meet-and-greet session in Killarney on Friday evening as part of the rally’s festivities.
The double World Rally Champions will attend an autograph signing session at Scruffy’s Nite  Club on College St (note change of venue) at 6.15 pm on Friday.
To meet the Finnish duo, fans will need to purchase an official RallyPak, which includes a poster of the Flying Finns
The meet and greet session takes place ahead of the ceremonial start at 7 pm where the top 20 Historic and Modified cars and the top local crews will attend the pre-event celebration outside the Plaza Hotel.

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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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