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Musical Society’s rehearsals are in full swing ahead of ‘Evita’

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Killarney Musical Society is in the midst of rehearsals for their forthcoming production of ‘Evita’, the world-renowned musical created by Andrew Llyod Webber and lyricist extraordinaire Tim Rice.

When these two creative souls get together you are always assured of something very special.

KMS is excited and honoured to be in the throes of production for their 39th show, due to be staged at the Gleneagle INEC Arena from March 11 to 13.’Evita’ concentrates on the life of Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentine president, Juan Peron.The story gives you an insight into her early life, using her beauty and charisma to rise to power, her charitable work and the incredible love the Argentine people had for her, and sadly her untimely demise at the age of 33 on July 26, 1952.‘Evita’ began as a rock opera in 1976 and premiered in the Prince Edward Theatre, London in June 1978.Countless worldwide productions, numerous cast albums and a string of professional tours have since followed.Now it’s the turn of Killarney Musical Society to stage this iconic musical.Musical numbers include such hits as ‘Buenos Aires’, ‘High Flying Adored’, ‘On this Night of a Thousand Stars’, ‘Oh what a Circus’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, and of course that much loved anthem ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’.Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.ie and the Gleneagle INEC Arena Box Office only.

Introducing David Quane as Che

David is a newcomer to Killarney Musical Society but no stranger to Killarney as his roots originate in Fossa, and just over the bridge in beautiful Killorglin.

Making his return to the stage of the INEC, having last graced that very same stage at a tender young age performing with The Tara Little Stage School, Dave is enjoying the experience of working with KMS.

Having recently moved back to Killarney to work remotely, David spent the past few years in London where he played Richard in the London premiere of ‘My Land’s Shore’, and Mark Cohen in ‘Rent’ at the Bloomsbury Theatre.

Before his time in London, Dave was an active member of the Trinity Musical Theatre group, performing Perón in Evita and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Joining KMS was the perfect step for David as it has integrated him back into the Kerry way of life and his love of Musical theatre in equal measure.

Being part of any musical society is a great way of meeting people with similar interests and hobbies, and as much as we all know, there is a lot of time and commitment given to rehearsals, there is always time to socialize and get to know your fellow members too.

“Get Involved, take that first step, audition, join a Musical Society or Theatre Group, once you’ve taken that first step the hardest part is done! It’s all a Song and Dance from there,” he said.

David plays the part of Che, the ever-present narrator guiding the audience through the events of Eva Peron’s life.

“The role is a charismatic, passionate and yet hopeful narrative of her life providing insight, a perspective from the working lower class of the time, criticism at times, but also giving us the insight of the people and the love and reverence they had for Evita, their First Lady,” said PRO Orna Cleary O’Shea.

“The role of Che is extremely challenging vocally, being involved in almost every scene throughout the show, with the vocal range of an impressive rock tenor being required to play this part. David has excelled in this role and has us in awe at every rehearsal, audiences are in for a treat."

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Sinn Féin to host public meeting on cost of living at Killarney Heights Hotel

Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm. […]

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Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty will host a public meeting on the costs of living and housing crises at the Killarney Heights Hotel on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm.

The Donegal TD will be joined by Kerry TD Pa Daly to discuss the economic pressures facing local households and the policy changes needed to provide financial relief. The main focus of the evening will center on the barriers preventing local people from buying their own homes, alongside broader costs of living challenges.
Speaking exclusively to the Killarney Advertiser ahead of his visit, Deputy Doherty said workers and families across Kerry are being squeezed from every direction by rising weekly shops, high energy bills, increasing insurance premiums, and substantial housing costs.
“Young people are losing hope that they will ever own a home in the county where they were raised,” Deputy Doherty said. “And while all of this is happening, the government is sitting on billions in budget surpluses while telling struggling families to wait. It is simply not good enough.”
The Sinn Féin finance spokesperson highlighted specific regional factors making the crisis acute in County Kerry, particularly regarding home heating costs.
“Almost 59% of homes in Kerry rely on home heating oil, which is nearly double the state average of 34%,” he said. “That means families across the county are far more exposed to soaring fuel costs than households in many other parts of the state. Yet the government withdrew supports that were helping households keep the lights on and heat their homes.”
Deputy Doherty noted that the housing situation in Kerry has moved beyond a social issue and is now impacting the local economy and communities. He pointed to figures showing average rents in the county have reached €1,493 per month, with exceptionally low market availability.
“At the time of writing, there were only 27 properties available online to rent across the entire county. Only 19 were below €2,000 a month and just five were available for less than €1,500. A county the size of Kerry, and only five rental properties affordable to someone on an ordinary income,” he said.
He also raised concerns for first-time buyers, noting that average house prices in Kerry have climbed to €296,000, representing an increase of €33,500 in a single year.
During the meeting, the Sinn Féin representatives will outline their party’s alternative proposals. These include a state-led program of affordable home building, a ban on excessive rent increases, enhanced protections for renters, and immediate energy credits and tax relief for workers.
“The resources exist to do this,” Deputy Doherty added. “The government’s own figures show billions in surplus funds available to the state. The issue is not a lack of money. The issue is political choice.”
The meeting is open to all members of the public, and a discussion session will follow the main presentations.

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National Park hosts weekend Bioblitz for National Biodiversity Week

Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment. Today, Friday, […]

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Killarney National Park is taking centre stage for the final weekend of National Biodiversity Week, with the public being urged to get outdoor and explore the local environment.

Today, Friday, May 22, marks the UN International Day for Biological Diversity, and a series of free events will run across the park until the national celebration concludes this Sunday, May 24.
The highlight of the weekend is the Killarney National Park Bioblitz. This event brings families, nature lovers, and community volunteers together to find, identify, and record as many different plant and animal species as possible across the park’s diverse habitats over the next three days.
Christopher O’Sullivan, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, encouraged locals and visitors alike to utiliSe the final days of the festival to experience the area’s unique wildlife, referencing Killarney’s native habitats as key areas the state is working to protect.
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), noted that the week is designed to remind people that native plants, woodlands, and rivers are vital systems that make life possible. OrganiSers are encouraging anyone in the locality to head out to Killarney National Park before Sunday evening to participate in the species count and support local conservation efforts.

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