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McSweeney Arms reopens as a restaurant

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AT YOUR SERVICE: Kelly Ann McSweeney is ready to greet customers after reopening her restaurant this week for the first time since March. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

 

By Sean Moriarty

The McSweeney family business reopened their Sandtrap Grill on Wednesday for the first time since March.

The Sandtrap is part and parcel of the landmark McSweeney Arms Hotel on College St but is a key part of its official title is missing.

The Sandtrap Bar and Grill has reopened as restaurant only after third-generation proprietor Kelly Ann McSweeney, following months of governmental indecisiveness, said she just could not wait any longer.

While the Sandtrap Bar and Grill is renowned for its high-quality bar food it is first and foremost a local's bar and Kelly Ann’s loyalty to her long-term customers meant she was not willing to open her bar for food only until this week.

Simply, she felt uncomfortable charging her locals €9, for the so-called substantial meal.

“These people came to my 21st and danced the night the way,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “They gave me fivers when I made my First Communion. They are family friends.”

However, constant changes by the Government, and without decisive opening dates set for the reopening of pubs, she changed her stance and reopened the Sandtrap – but only as a restaurant and not as a bar that happens to serve food too.

“We are open as a sit down restaurant,” she added. “Even the televisions will be turned off.”

The Sandtrap Bar and Grill is a renowned sports bar and is particularly popular with horse racing fans and Dr Croke’s supporters.

Kelly Ann and her parents, Tony and Pauline, have introduced a range of measures to ensure they more than comply with the COVID-19 regulations.

They are encouraging people to pre-book and credit card details will be taken at booking time, all to comply with the contract tracing rules and limited waiting times when people arrive.

“All our favourite dishes are on the menu. I will greet you at the door, we have an automatic sanitisation station at the door,” she said. “We are opening in September so hopefully I will know everyone. We were fully booked on Wednesday night – mainly locals.”

As the accommodation portion of the hotel will not reopen until March next year, she was able rearrange the hotel’s foyer and breakfast room to accommodate more diners.

“It is very exciting to be back but it tugs my heart that I cannot open my bar as a bar, as my grandfather Christy did 70 years ago this year,” she added. "He is the reason I do what I do."

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Caoimhe Murray set for lead role in Musical Society’s 40th anniversary show

Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead […]

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Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead cast members, including local performer Caoimhe Murray.

Caoimhe takes on the role of Lorraine, a fun-loving and spirited character who falls in love with the mayor’s son, Dean Hyde.
The production is a significant family milestone for Caoimhe, who has been a member of the society for nine years.
She is the daughter of Amanda Murray and the granddaughter of Phil Spillane, both of whom are also long-standing members and part of this year’s cast.
This production marks Caoimhe’s fifth show with the society. Her previous experience includes playing Brigitta Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2018, as well as lead roles such as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’ with her stage school. She also recently played Sophie in her school production of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Caoimhe has built an extensive background in performing arts through years of training.
She has been a student of Fiona Crowley’s Stage School since the age of five and has attended the West End House School of Arts for acting.
Her musical training includes singing lessons with Sorcha O’Connor and piano with Catriona Cahillane, alongside completing the AIMS Youth Summer School Programme last year.
‘All Shook Up’ will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12. The show features the music of Elvis Presley and tickets are currently available through the Gleneagle Box Office or via Ticketmaster.

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Beaufort man collects 18th car from Randles Bros

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Beaufort resident Paddy O’Sullivan has marked 40 years of loyalty to Randles Bros by collecting his 18th vehicle from the dealership.

Paddy recently met with David Randles at Randles Bros Tralee to take delivery of his latest car, a new Nissan Qashqai.


The O’Sullivan family’s relationship with the garage dates back four decades to when Randles Bros operated as an Austin Morris dealer.

Paddy’s first purchase was a Morris Marina, one of the top-selling models of the 1970s.
As the dealership evolved, so did Paddy’s choice of vehicles.

When the garage took on the Datsun franchise, he moved into a Datsun 140 J, also known as the Datsun Violet.

Following the brand’s transition to Nissan in the 1980s, he became a frequent owner of the Nissan Bluebird. This was followed by a stint owning five different Nissan Primeras throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.


In recent years, he has transitioned to the Nissan Qashqai, with this latest ‘261’ registration marking his 18th time driving a new car out of the Randles Bros showroom.


David Randles thanked the Beaufort man for his continued business over the generations. “We want to thank Paddy and his family for being such a great customer to Randles Bros for so long,” he said. “Congratulations on your purchase Paddy, and safe travels.”

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