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A case of high treason at the International Hotel

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By Sean Moriarty

 

The centenary of one of the most unusual acts of historical importance to Killarney is set to be re-enacted in new the Cultural Centre next weekend.

This Thursday (October 10) will mark the centenary of Archdeacon Thomas Joseph O’Donnell’s visit to the hotel. The Tasmanian was appointed Chaplain to the 11th Battalion on the Western Front and in late 1919 he was granted leave to visit relatives and friends in Ireland, including a cousin in Killarney.

On October 10, 1919 O’Donnell was dining in the International Hotel in Killarney, engaged in animated conversation with William Marsh, a slightly deaf Northern Unionist.

It was later alleged by JS Chambers, an off duty officer of the King’s Liverpool Regiment, dining at a nearby table, that O’Donnell made seditious remarks about the King and the British.

The incident was reported and two days later O’Donnell was arrested under a charge of speaking disloyally in Killarney against the King and the Empire. O'Donnell was escorted to London where he spent time in the Tower of London in the very same cell occupied by Roger Casement three years earlier. The priest faced a trial in London’s Guild Hall but was acquitted following a testimony by International Hotel’s manager Georgina Bennett.

O'Donnell sued the British Government and such was the notoriety of the whole matter by this time, parliamentary questions were raised on a number of occasions in the House of Commons, and these were fielded by none other than Winston Churchill, the then Secretary of War and the Armed Forces.

“Rich in history, the walls of the International hold some secrets and could tell some stories!,” General Manager, Tracy Coyne, told the Killarney Advertiser.

Pride

“It is with great pride that we are commemorating the centenary of a historic event that happened in the dining room of the International Hotel in October 1919, which caused an international diplomatic incident during World War 1.”

The events are of much interest to historians, but also to those old Killarney families who remember stories of war and espionage passed from elder generations, she added.

“One of the central figures in this tale of treason and accusations was the then manager of the International Hotel, a Miss Georgina Bennett of Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary, who gave evidence in London’s Guild Hall. In fact, Miss Bennett’s evidence was the turning point in the whole affair, changing the outcome of what would surely otherwise have been the imprisonment of the accused, Captain Rev. Thomas O’Donnell, a Chaplin of the Australian Army.”

These historical moments from the International Hotel will be played out in the Cultural Centre on Saturday next (October 12), through a historical reading and a re-enactment by members of the Tipperary War of Independence Tours historical society.

The event begins at 8pm.

 

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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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