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Druid casts a spell as Kerry’s newest interactive tourist attraction

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KERRY’S newest interactive tourist attraction, a 12ft druid, has been welcomed to its new home; the aptly named Druid’s View at Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm in Bonane.

The imposing and impressive Druid figure is the result of an exciting collaboration between two West Cork artists, wood sculptor Anthony Cornforth and metal sculptor Peter Little.

Commissioned by Kerry County Council, the piece replaces a smaller existing druid carved by Anthony in 2002 which had to be removed during recent road improvement works.

The original druid was commissioned by Stephen and Frances O’Sullivan, owners of family-run Molly Gallivan’s Visitor Centre.

Located between Kenmare and Glengarriff on the Beara Peninsula, the druid represents the first settlers in the Sheen Valley more than 6000 years ago.

It is carved from the trunk of a large Monterey cypress tree and cloaked in copper.

To enable visitors to interact and engage with the sculpture, a camera has been placed on the druid’s staff. Visitors can look through an eyepiece enclosed in the druid’s cloak and share in the “druid’s view”.

The druid looks across Sheen valley to the highest peak “Barra-Bui”, where a Cairn on the summit marks the resting place of an ancient Chieftain.

The camera will soon be linked to Molly Gallivan’s website and visitors can upload their photos taken with the druid to the attraction’s popular Facebook page. The photos posted to Facebook announcing the arrival of the new druid have already received over 7000 views.

“We’re delighted with the new and enhanced druid,” stated Stephen and Frances O’Sullivan. “It has been an iconic landmark for Molly Gallivans and Kerry for many years. The feedback from our visitors is that they love the ability to interact with the new sculpture and see what the druid sees.”

Anthony and Peter are known individually in the West Cork region and beyond for their sculptures. This was a first time collaboration for the pair and they are keen to work together in the future. A bio for each artist is included below for reference.

For further information on the druid sculpture, contact Anthony Cornforth on +353 (0)86 392 2129 or ajc-64@hotmail.com

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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