Killarney accordionist Liam O’Connor and his family band have won the Family Band of the Year award at the 2026 Irish Entertainment Awards.

The star-studded ceremony took place on June 18 at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, County Donegal.

The annual event brings together musicians, performers, and personalities to recognise outstanding achievements across the Irish entertainment industry.

O’Connor said he was delighted and honoured to receive the accolade. During the event, the local musician shared the stage with a line-up of performers including singer Simon Casey and actor Patrick Bergin.

Mother of late Ewan MacIndoe issues powerful plea to look out for young people

The mother of a young Killarney man who died by suicide last month has issued a powerful, heartfelt plea to the local community to look after one another and cut young people more slack as they navigate life.

The sudden and unexpected passing of Ewan MacIndoe on May 27, at just 22 years of age, plunged the town into deep sadness.

A gifted all-round athlete, Ewan was a highly popular figure across local sporting fields, representing Killarney Celtic FC, Killarney Legion GAA Club, and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.

He is deeply missed by his heartbroken parents, David and Louise, and his sister, Amber.

To mark the month’s mind of his passing, Louise MacIndoe has given the Killarney Advertiser permission to publish excerpts from the moving eulogy she delivered on the day of his funeral, sharing a vital message regarding how society treats its young population.

‘Cut them a little bit of slack’
In her address, Louise appealed directly to employers, parents, and the wider public to show greater patience, understanding, and positive encouragement to young adults.

“Please, please take care of our young men and ladies at home and at work,” Louise pleaded. “Cut them a little bit of slack. They are young, they are learning, and they will make mistakes. Please don’t penalise them so harshly. They will grow, they will learn. They just sometimes need a little bit of time and a lot of positive encouragement.”

Reflecting on Ewan’s 22 years, she noted that he packed a lifetime into those years and lived life to the absolute fullest. Despite facing numerous knockbacks, she recalled how resilient he remained, always trying to move forward in the hope that things would improve.

Addressing Ewan’s large circle of friends directly, Louise urged them to remain resilient during their grief.

“To Ewan’s friends, please stay strong,” she said. “Your best years are ahead of you. Even on the darkest days like today, please keep living and loving. Ewan would want you to, and we beg you to, too.”

Defining true happiness
Louise also spoke openly about the true meaning of happiness, rejecting materialistic milestones in favour of personal fulfilment.

She said that she and David raised their children to make their own decisions and to stand by them.

“Find your happiness, whatever that might be,” Louise urged the congregation. “Happiness comes from you as a person. No one can define it; it’s what is you.”