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Tributes to Paudie O’Callaghan of the Fáilte Hotel

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The town of Killarney and the wider Kerry community have been mourning the loss of Paudie O’Callaghan, who passed away peacefully over the weekend after a long illness.

Paudie, pre-deceased by his father Dermot and his brothers Donal and Dermot, was deeply loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Valerie, his daughter Megan, granddaughter Rubie, his mother Eileen, his brothers Michael, Colm, and Niall, sisters-in-law Noreen, Eliza, Carol, and Kathy, and extended family, including nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Paudie was widely recognised as a true gentleman and a cornerstone of Killarney’s business and social life. Minister Michael Healy-Rae TD paid personal tribute, saying: “This week brought very sad news with the passing of my great friend, Paudie O’Callaghan. Paudie was one of life’s true gentlemen, full of life, laughter, loyalty, and heart. He was a man who’d do anything for a friend, and I was blessed to count him as my very best. Even in difficult days, Paudie’s strength and spirit never left him.”
Minister Healy-Rae recalled meeting Paudie every Saturday in Killarney, walking the town together, meeting people, and enjoying the simple but meaningful moments that defined their friendship. He also noted the pride Paudie had in becoming a grandfather, a joy that brightened his final weeks.
The Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also paid tribute to Paudie’s contribution to the town. A statement from the Chamber said: “Paudie O’Callaghan played a very active and progressive role in the business life of Killarney and was always willing to lend a hand and contribute positively to whatever projects the town was engaged with. He spearheaded the Killarney Vintners Association for many years and was a very able and influential representative for that sector. His enormous contribution to the sporting and social life of the town is already well documented, and he contributed hugely to the town he loved in so many ways.”
Paudie reposed at the Fáilte Hotel on Monday evening. The funeral cortège arrived at St Mary’s Cathedral,on Tuesday morning, followed by burial at Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Tributes highlighted Paudie’s warmth, loyalty, and dedication to family, friends, and the Killarney community.
Minister Healy-Rae summed up the sentiment shared by many: “People come and go throughout our lives, but every so often, someone truly special comes along who makes life better just by being part of it. That was Paudie. I’ll miss him dearly.”

Photos by Eamoon Keogh

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph


Glenflesk CCE and the local traditional music community are celebrating a major haul of silverware following the Angland family’s outstanding performances at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Lismore, County Waterford.


Siblings Colleen, Olivia, Seán, and Grace Angland earned a impressive collection of provincial titles, podium finishes, and All-Ireland qualification spots across multiple music, singing, and dancing disciplines.
Seán Angland delivered a stellar run in the 12-15 category, taking first place in the Melodeon alongside second-place finishes in Piano, Accompaniment, and Mouth Organ. He also secured second place in both the Duet and Trio competitions alongside his sister Olivia and Aoife Hobbert of Lixnaw CCE.
Olivia Angland added to the family success with third-place finishes in both the 12-15 Fiddle and Lilting competitions. She also excelled on the dance floor, winning first place in the 12-15 Mixed Set Dance and third in the Ladies Set Dance with Killarney CCE.
In the 15-18 age group, Colleen Angland secured double silver with second-place finishes in both the Flute Slow Airs and Whistle Slow Airs. Colleen, Olivia, and Seán also joined forces as members of the Cork-based Baile Átha an Spidéil Grúpaí Ceoil (15-18) to take third place in a competitive field.
Meanwhile, Grace Angland earned second place with the An Ríocht Senior Grúpaí Ceoil. The achievement sees Grace return to the All-Ireland stage in Belfast, following her national title win in Senior Piano at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last year.

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

Musicians, singers, and dancers from both the Killarney and Kilcummin branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are heading to Belfast this weekend for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann following major success at the Munster Fleadh in Lismore, County Waterford.


The All-Ireland competition runs from August 2 to August 9, with competitors from across the two local parishes travelling north to compete on the national stage.
Kilcummin CCÉ enjoyed an outstanding provincial tournament across music, language, and dancing. Eoin Foley claimed a Munster title in the 15 to 18 Button Accordion, while Micheál Healy took gold in the Over 18 Melodeon alongside a third-place finish in the button accordion. Brynn McCarthy secured her spot in Belfast after qualifying in Comhrá Gaeilge for 9 to 11 age group, while also picking up third place in Under 12 English Singing.
Dancers from the Moriarty School of Dancing dominated the set dancing competitions in Lismore, winning five Munster titles across Under 12 Ladies, Under 12 Mixed, Under 18 Ladies, Over 18 Mixed, and Over 35 Ladies. These five sets now join four previously qualified Kilcummin sets—the Over 18 Mixed, Ladies, and Half sets, along with the Over 35 Mixed—bringing a total of nine set dancing teams from the parish to the Belfast finals under trainers Adrian, John, and Mary Moriarty.
Killarney CCÉ members also celebrated a highly successful provincial championship, securing a haul of Munster titles and top-three qualification spots across various music, singing, dancing, and Irish language categories.

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