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Dancing and walking on the wild side

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Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue at the weekend as part of Killarney Walking Festival's charity night. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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RAINDROPS and a generous sprinkling of exuberance were in the air at the weekend for a unique mountaintop set dance that unfolded as part of Killarney Walking Festival.

Trekkers clutching bodhráns and tin whistles made tracks up Strickeen Mountain to enjoy a polka set with members of Kilgobnet Biddies Group – and all in aid of Killarney Water Rescue. “It was just the mountain that was dampened by the rain...the spirits were lifted,” said Killarney Walking Festival organiser and photographer Valerie O’Sullivan.

The event was co-ordinated as part of the festival’s charity night. “We would like to say a big Strickeen thank you to the Kilgobnet Biddies, and all the walkers who trekked Strickeen for Killarney Water Rescue,” added Valerie. “It was a great night. And in good time-honoured tradition, the sun didn’t oblige!”

Killarney Walking Festival took place from Friday to Sunday and the organisers included some new signature treks – The ‘Peaks of the Reeks’ including the iconic Carrantuohill and Coomloughra Horse Shoe Treks, and Caherconree – Ancient fort of Cú Roí Mac Dáire.

“The festival is a chance to enjoy a weekend of long relaxing guided walks, and boat trips. The headquarters were The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney,” said Valerie. “It was a chance to discover the hidden valleys, mountains, reeks, lakeshores and all that is beautiful and untamed about Killarney and its famed National Park.”

Killarney Water Rescue provides an important voluntary service to the area and it hopes to purchase a 4×4 vehicle for attending all emergencies.
John O’Sullivan, Reeks Lodge and Guiding, and experienced Killarney guides Ray and Mary Walsh of Walk with Me were also guides at the festival,
 


 
Pictured above: Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue at the weekend as part of Killarney Walking Festival's charity night. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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