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Killarney Credit Union advises on back to school planning

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Helen Courtney Power, Killarney Credit Union.

“AVOID moneylenders, shop around and plan a budget.” That’s the key advice from Killarney Credit Union when it comes to addressing back-to-school costs.

Research undertaken in June 2016 by the Irish League of Credit Union indicated that back-to-school costs negatively impact 26% of household bill payments with 13% of parents saying they will have to sacrifice spending on food to cover these costs.

Helen Courtney Power, business development officer with Killarney Credit Union, said: “We are very aware of the increased costs that families are facing when returning children to school after the holidays, we recommend that you plan early by making out a budget, shopping for deals in local retailers and avoid door step credit at all costs.

“We offer personal micro credit loans for smaller amounts which can be repaid through the household budget scheme or you can also look at our standard education loans for members.”

According to the credit union research, school associated costs have increased year on year from 2012 with overall spend for primary children on average is €967 per year per child and secondary €1,474.

On average primary school parents are spending €145 on uniforms per child, secondary school parents spending €234 per child

Some 31% of parents find themselves in debt covering back to school costs, borrowing an average of €357.

In 2016, 60% of parents will shop online for back to school items, up significantly from 47% in 2015

Some 79% of parents expected to make voluntary contribution to the school, averaging €118 per child, up from €112 in 2015.

Thirty-seven per cent of parents feel under pressure to buy branded school supplies, down from 42% in 2015, pressure more evident in secondary school parents.

Only 14% % of parents eligible for back-to-school allowance believe the back to school allowance is sufficient to cover school costs.
 


 
Helen Courtney Power, Killarney Credit Union.

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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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