Killarney Judo began the new year on a high note after two of its athletes were invited to train with the High Performance National Squad at Sport Ireland Headquarters in Dublin.

Club members James Maher, Ciara Forde and Tim Kellytook part in the session, gaining valuable experience as they continue their journey toward competing for their black belts later this year. Both also trained alongside national-level judoka aiming to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, providing a rare insight into elite preparation.
The national squad opportunity follows a successful December for the club at the All-Ireland Championships, where Killarney Judo returned with an impressive medal haul. Younger competitors led the way, securing three gold medals, two silvers and four bronzes across multiple age groups.
Developing home-grown talent remains a key priority for the club in 2026. Coaches say the focus will be on building confidence, competition experience and technical skill through increased participation in local and regional tournaments.
With clear pathways from grassroots to national level now firmly in place, Killarney Judo is looking forward to another successful year. The development of the new Derreen Sports Centre, including a dedicated judo dojo, is expected to further support training and help represent the town on the national stage.

Killarney Judo athletes join High Performance national squad

Killarney Judo began the new year on a high note after two of its athletes were invited to train with the High Performance National Squad at Sport Ireland Headquarters in Dublin.

Club members James Maher, Ciara Forde and Tim Kellytook part in the session, gaining valuable experience as they continue their journey toward competing for their black belts later this year. Both also trained alongside national-level judoka aiming to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, providing a rare insight into elite preparation.
The national squad opportunity follows a successful December for the club at the All-Ireland Championships, where Killarney Judo returned with an impressive medal haul. Younger competitors led the way, securing three gold medals, two silvers and four bronzes across multiple age groups.
Developing home-grown talent remains a key priority for the club in 2026. Coaches say the focus will be on building confidence, competition experience and technical skill through increased participation in local and regional tournaments.
With clear pathways from grassroots to national level now firmly in place, Killarney Judo is looking forward to another successful year. The development of the new Derreen Sports Centre, including a dedicated judo dojo, is expected to further support training and help represent the town on the national stage.

A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.

The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.