Killarney producer revisits Dunnes Stores strike in new radio documentary

A new radio documentary by Killarney native Kelly Crichton is examining the role played by the Dunnes Stores strikers in influencing Ireland’s stance on apartheid South Africa.

‘The Power of the People’ revisits the strike that began on July 19, 1984, when Dunnes Stores worker Mary Manning refused to handle South African grapefruit at the Henry Street store in Dublin. Acting on instructions from her union not to handle South African goods, Manning was suspended from work, triggering what became one of the longest-running strikes in Irish trade union history.
The documentary explores the early tensions within the store, the personal cost to the strikers, and the growing political and international significance of their protest. Three of the original strikers feature prominently: Mary Manning, Liz Deasy, who was 17 at the time, and Tralee woman Karen Gearon, who addressed the United Nations during the dispute.
Mary Manning said the group faced isolation and hostility in the early stages of the strike but remained committed to their position despite threats and difficult experiences, including being detained in Johannesburg. She said the strike showed the impact ordinary people can have when they stand by their principles.
The programme charts how support grew over time, including backing from trade union official Brendan Archbold, ANC activist Nimrod Sejake, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson. The strikers’ actions ultimately contributed to Ireland becoming one of the first Western countries to ban South African imports.
Kelly Crichton said she was struck by the scale of what the group achieved when researching the documentary. She said the story remains relevant and offers lessons about collective action and persistence.
The documentary marks 40 years since the strikers’ visit to South Africa and addresses to the UN. ‘The Power of the People’ airs on ‘Documentary’ on Newstalk at 2pm

Ireland’s outdoor and wellness festival Wander Wild will return to Killarney from April 17 to 19, with its largest programme to date.

Now entering its fifth year, the festival will feature more than 120 events across adventure, nature and wellbeing, set mainly within Killarney National Park and supported by a central Basecamp and evening entertainment across the town.

Organisers say the 2026 programme builds on previous years with a wider mix of high-adrenaline activities and slower-paced wellness experiences, designed to cater for all ages and abilities.

Events will include guided mountain hikes, rock climbing, paddleboarding, cycling, lake and boat trips, along with yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound therapy sessions.

New additions for 2026 include guided hikes on lesser-used routes such as Carrauntoohil via the Heavenly Gates and North Mangerton, sensory-friendly rock climbing, eco-therapy sessions, creative panel discussions and a dedicated family area known as Wildlings.

A number of established festival favourites will also return, including the Dark Sky Hike, sunrise lake dips at Dundag, lakeside sauna sessions, Rave ar Róthar cycling event and guided walks with National Park rangers.

The Wellness Hub at Killarney House and Gardens will again host a full schedule of movement and mindfulness sessions throughout the weekend, while evening events will include talks, live music, art workshops and social gatherings at venues around the town.

Accessibility remains a key focus, with autism-friendly and neurodivergent-inclusive events planned, including tailored walks, climbing sessions and a sensory space at Basecamp. Killarney’s status as an autism-friendly town continues to shape festival planning.

A mix of free and ticketed events will be offered, with prices ranging from €10 to €100. Many activities in the National Park and entertainment at Basecamp will be free to attend.

Festival chairperson Kieran Kavanagh said the aim is to offer a balanced programme that reflects Killarney’s landscape and community, while encouraging people to reconnect with the outdoors and their wellbeing.

Tickets for Wander Wild 2026 are expected to go on sale early in the new year, with further events to be announced. More information is available at wanderwildfestival.com.