A magical new addition to the Christmas in Killarney parades this year will be a magnificent Polar Express-style train engine that has been designed and built by the members of the Killarney Classic and Vintage Club.

It will be a spectacular feature of the four festive parades that will wind their way through the streets every Saturday night from November 29 to December 20.
The organisers will dedicate the Christmas in Killarney Express to a deserving child on each of the Saturday nights and, not only will they get to board the engine float for the parade, with a wonderful vantage point for the celebrations, the dream machine will also be named in their honour for the night they are chosen.

It is envisaged the children that will benefit will have beaten the odds in their own determined way having encountered some difficulties or issues in their young lives.

They will get to experience the true spirit of Christmas in what promises to be a wonderful, unforgettable, magical way that will linger in the memory forever.

The Killarney Classic and Vintage Club has teamed up with the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Christmas in Killarney sub-committee for the big event and generous sponsorship for the building and decoration of the Christmas in Killarney Express was provided by Paul Fitzgerald and Son Building Supplies in Coolcaslagh.

In addition to featuring in the parades, the chosen children and their families will join the organisers and sponsors for a fun-filled Christmas party on the final parade night and some great gifts will await.

A magnificent musical suite, specially composed and arranged to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Muckross House to the public, has been released on CD to raise funds for a deserving local charity this Christmas.

The Muckross Suite features five fabulous tracks all of which are linked to specific moments in time or events that occurred in the landmark house, the building of which was completed in 1843.

All proceeds from the CD will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group which operates the Healthlink Transport Service bringing patients, free of charge, to and from hospitals in Cork and Limerick for treatment.

The CD project was commissioned by the Trustees of Muckross House to mark the diamond anniversary of the opening of the landmark building to the people of Killarney and around the world in 1964.

The Muckross Suite was composed by JJ O’Shea with arrangements by Paul de Grae and Reidun Schlesinger.

Paul (piano and guitar) and Reidun (harp) are joined by musicians Barry Lynch (uilleann pipes and whistle) and Sean Abeyta (fiddle) and the five-track CD was recorded at Tony O’Flaherty’s Sonas Studios in Killarney.

Muckross House archivist and librarian Patricia O’Hare said the inspiration for the musical project was inspired by Muckross House itself, its furnishings, its location and its history.
“It was a real labour of love for all involved and it is wonderful to be in a position to support such a wonderful charity,” she said.

Composer and broadcaster JJ O’Shea said the melody goes through five different changes and it takes the listener on an epic journey through the history of Muckross House.

The Muckross Suite is on sale in the Muckross House Craft Centre for €9.99 and all proceeds will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group


The five tracks in what is essentially a Muckross House Anthem are:

Mary Herbert’s Piano: A tranquil solo piece dedicated to the former Muckross House owner whose piano is still on show there.

Kitty in the Kitchen: A jig that celebrates the life and times of the Muckross House staff who worked downstairs.

View from the Library Window: A harp-based track featuring a spectacular view from Muckross House which inspired Mary Herbert who was an accomplished water colourist. Her art demonstrates her great love and affection for Killarney’s landscape.

An American in Killarney: A lively jazz number dedicated to American entrepreneur William Bowers Bourn who purchased Muckross House for his daughter Maud.

Open Doors: A lively, upbeat 1960’s style rhythm marking the opening of Muckross House to the public in 1964.