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Kerry welcomes €10.2m windfall in Leader funding

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The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, signing the first batch of Funding Agreements under the LEADER Programme 2020. The Minister said the €250 million programme will support hundreds of jobs across rural Ireland. The agreements are being signed with Local Action Groups from around the country at an event in the Virginia Show Centre in Cavan, which previously benefitted from €500,000 in LEADER funding. Funding of €250 million will be distributed to entrepreneurs and community groups throughout Ireland by the Local Action Groups, which are made up of public and private representatives. The LEADER programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment. The programme is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The previous LEADER programme delivered almost 10,000 projects throughout rural Ireland. In addition to supporting community-based projects, last year LEADER funding supported over 800 enterprises and 500 jobs. Minister Humphreys is pictured with standing is Moira Farrell and seated is Norma Moriarty of Kerry LEADER Local Action Group. Photo: Brian Mulligan

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THE Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, has signed a funding agreement with Kerry Local Action Group to approve €10,219,868.29 in funding under the Leader Programme 2020.

The funding will support jobs and investment in Kerry over the next four years.

Funding of €250 million will be distributed to entrepreneurs and community groups throughout Ireland by the Local Action Groups, which are made up of public and private representatives. The Leader programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment.

Minister Humphreys said: “The Leader programme will deliver some €250 million into rural towns and villages right across the country over the next four years. By signing the funding agreements with Kerry Local Action Group, we are unlocking €10,219,868.29 in vital funding for rural communities across Kerry.

“I know that communities across Kerry are very eager to access this funding, for the benefit of local groups and organisations. Upon taking over responsibility for rural and regional affairs, I was very keen to ensure the Funding Agreements could be signed as quickly as possible so that this money can start to flow into rural Ireland. Now, the majority of Funding Agreements are being signed, meaning the Local Action Groups can start receiving applications for funding.

“One of the great strengths of the Leader programme is that it puts funding decisions in the hands of the communities where the money is spent; local decisions by local people. The Leader programme will fund a wide variety of projects in Kerry over the coming years; projects large or small; projects with economic, social or environmental dimensions.

“Leader is built on local people facilitated by Local Action Groups. The investment provided through Leader at a national level can only make a meaningful impact with the vision and effort of community groups and entrepreneurs at a local level. I wish the Local Action Group in Kerry the very best and I look forward to facilitating their work, and funding their investments, in the coming years.”


The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, pictured with Kerry County Council chief executive Moira Murrell, standing, and Norma Moriarty of Kerry Leader Local Action Group. PICTURE: BRIAN MULLIGAN

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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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