News
JOE GAFFEY RIP A PERSONAL TRIBUTE
By Eamonn Fitzgerald
It was always uplifting to see and greet Joe Gaffey enjoying his work in Killarney.
He kept the windows so clean, saying clean windows make a great first impression, allowing natural light to enter, and helping to reduce energy costs.
He took such pride in his window cleaning business. I said, “Joe, even the humble flies are afraid to land on your cleaned windows”. Quick as a wink, he responded, “they’re afraid of skidding on my spic and span windows, like a jet crash-landing in these downpours”. With the trademark cloth whipped from his back pocket, he was back at work.
He loved the craic and the banter, but when it came to soccer, he was deadly serious, a brilliant player with Fossa FC (now extinct) where I first got to know the star player from Athlone and Jock (Alex Rintoul), his great teammate.
Teak tough, but a scrupulously fair defender, Joe was a godsend for the Fossa's keeper. Not even the speediest inside forwards could get past him. He was a believer and practitioner of the Biblical and Lord of the Rings dictum ‘thou shalt not pass’. Not a blunt stopper, but you just could not get by such was his defensive skill and perfect timing, the sine qua non for brilliant players in any sports code. That lethal left leg, that trusted ciotóg never failed. He had the same sense of timing playing golf.
In previewing the 1976 All-Ireland final versus Dublin, I asked several members of the general public and GAA enthusiasts to predict the outcome for the Killarney Advertiser. All predicted a definite win for Kerry. A repeat of ‘75 was a dead cert. Joe was the only one to get it correct: a surprise win for the Dubs. He got a lot of mileage out of that episode.
How he would have loved Westmeath’s fairytale win over fancied Meath on Sunday last, his final day. Ach bhí an t-am istigh. The ref called for the ball. Game of life over, but our fond memories of Joe will endure. We’ll miss his professional expertise and his endearing and unfailing good humour. Slán abhaile Joe.
To his wife Julie, sons Darren and Jonathan, his extended family and his many friends and admirers, comhbhrón ó chroí.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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