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Hannah returns from mission of mercy to Ghana

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Hannah Sherry with two of her students in Ghana.

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BIG-HEARTED Headford teenager Hannah Sherry has just returned from the journey of a lifetime during which she helped make a major difference to the lives of young people in Africa.

Hannah’s school, Repton in Derbyshire, has forged close links with the Dreamland School in Ghana and the Kerry teenager was one of eight fifth-year students from Repton travelling to Dreamland for two weeks in July.

Hannah and her fellow students spent the fortnight helping improve conditions for their counterparts in Dreamland.

“When we first arrived, despite having some idea about what it would be like, seeing the packed roads, crazy drivers, and women and children dodging in and out between cars trying to sell all sorts of weird and wonderful things was something I couldn't have prepared myself for,” said Hannah.

“However, if that was a shock, it was just something else when we arrived at the school for the first day and the whole school came sprinting over to crowd around our bus, making it impossible to get off or walk around without at least five children hanging off you at all times!”

Hannah helped with teaching, cultural sharing and hands-on building and painting projects.

A talented pianist and cellist, the Kerry teen also hosted music workshops for the children. “We had the chance to teach children ranging in age from 7 to 14, and in classes twice as big as normal, but despite this, the children were so eager to learn whatever we had to offer, from hangman in Spanish to jumping up and down in Biology that at one school, they asked me if it was okay for them to stay on after school had finished to complete the booklet!” said Hannah.

“One of the most heart-warming things was giving groups of children playing on the sides of the roads, new footballs which they were delighted with and so thankful for.”

Money raised at Repton has gone towards building new blocks at the school as well as its café and library and purchasing schoolbooks for the students. “For them, education was the most important thing and they felt so lucky to even be able to go to school, taking nothing for granted and appreciating all the help we were able to offer them. This included resources for their library, sports tops for each of Dreamland's four houses, and for other schools in the area, lots of books which the children were so excited to receive,” said Hannah.

Dreamland’s school population has grown from six children to over 600 since it was established over a decade ago. “The money raised also enabled us to bring over these resources which are going to be such a help to both the staff and students in the schools we visited and their appreciation and the knowledge that they will benefit so much from what we would think of as so little is an incredible thing,” said Hannah.

“Thank you to everyone who donated or helped in raising money for this trip as without it; we wouldn't have been able to do as much for the children in Ghana as we did, and they, and I, are so grateful.”
 


 
Hannah Sherry pictured with students in Ghana.

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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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