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A-LISTERS are set to top the bill in Killarney as part fo the third annual Killarney 4th of July celebrations. Festival organiser Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce in association with Kerry Film Festival have arranged a free outdoor screening of American classic Top Gun in the magnificent setting of Killarney House & Gardens opening especially for this one off screening on Monday Evening.

Margaret Brosnan of Kerry Film Festival said: “We are delighted to bring our Summer Open Air Cinema programme to Killarney and we are really looking forward to being a part of Killarney 4th of July Celebrations”. Gates open at 8.30pm and the screening commences at 10pm remember to register for free tickets at www.eventbrite.ie.”

Of course prior to the screening the 4th of July Celebrations will have been in full swing from 7am that morning. The Morning Reveille with Dawn Chorus will kick start this day long celebration of American culture. A rousing rendition of the star spangled banner will be performed by a chorus drawn together from local choirs especially for the event. The American flag being hoisted over Killarney Town Hall will signal the start of the celebrations an emotional ceremony well worthy of the early start.

Main Street Killarney will be transformed into Main Street USA with lots of exciting events and street entertainment throughout the day. The first of these will be a celebratory Charity 4th of July BBQ at 4pm on Scott’s Street Killarney in aid of The Kerry Cork Cancer Health Link Bus. This is a free event sponsored by The Henggeler – Moriarty Family in association with Scott’s Hotel and donations to this great charity will be most welcome.
During the afternoon don’t be surprised if you come across The Wild West Troupe shooting up the town and you may even catch an impromptu performance from one of our visiting or local brass bands.

The main event of the day of course will be “The Big Parade” starting at 8.00pm from Killarney Outlet Centre and winding its way through College Street and Plunkett Street to finally reach Main Street where the party will really get under way with master of ceremonies DJ Niall Botty O’Callaghan in control. Of course no 4th of July Celebration would be complete without the all important fireworks display which is scheduled to commence about 10.45 pm still subject to licence.

Killarney 4th of July Celebrations organising committee chairperson Diarmuid Leen said: “This is a rally call for all of us in Killarney to show our appreciation of our American friends and associates.

“I would be thrilled to see the streets of Killarney lined with locals, visitors and of course our American friends to witness our Big Parade and join in the fun that is organised throughout the day.

“We are appealing to local business owners, retailers, restaurateurs, to join in the celebrations by decorating their premises in Americana, red, white and blue, dress the window and if restaurants could do an American Special on the day how great that would be.”

A limited number of American flags are available from Kate O’Leary at The Laurels Pub and Restaurant. There will also be a large stock of celebration flags and badges on sale throughout the town on Monday.

Where else in Ireland would you get a full blown 4th of July Celebration said Kate O’ Leary President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce. We are extremely grateful to our partners Kerry County Council, Failte Ireland, IPB Insurance, with whom this event is supported, bringing communities together through a community tourism initiative for the Diaspora. Kate also said that without the support of our sponsor’s O’ Donoghue Ring Hotel Group, Heineken Ireland, The Killarney Park & Ross Hotels, The International Hotel, MD O’ Sheas and The Henggeler- Moriarty Family together with Scott’s Hotel this event would not be possible.
 

 
Pictured above: Ollie Favier, wrapped in the Star-Spangled Banner, ready for the Killarney 4th July Celebrations in the town. Also pictued are Diarmuid Leen, Chairman, 4th July Celebrations, Dermot Healy, Committee, Kate O'Leary, President, Killarney Chamber, and Cllr Michael Gleeson, Mayor, Killarney Municipal District. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN