News
Accused remanded on continuing bail
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A 20-year-old man charged with the manslaughter of 32 year-old Stephen O’Connor in Killorglin was remanded on continuing bail at Killarney District Court on Tuesday.
Christian Fleming of Mount Lyne, Killorglin, who works as a bartender in a Killarney Hotel, is charged with unlawfully killing Stephen O’Connor, contrary to Common Law, on February 10, at Main Street, Killorglin.
Stephen O’Connor, a single man from Glencar, was fatally injured following an alleged assault at about 2.30am outside a fast food outlet in Killorglin. He was rushed to University Hospital Kerry with severe head injuries and later transferred to Cork University Hospital where he died on Monday, February 11.
Mr Fleming was brought before a sitting of Killarney District Court on Friday last and was given bail on strict conditions to appear again Tuesday, February 19.
On Tuesday, Sgt Kieran O’Connell said the State’s application was to remand the accused on continuing bail to Killarney District Court on March 19 for preparation and service of the Book of Evidence.
Mr Fleming’s solicitor, Brendan Ahern, said he was consenting to this. The solicitor applied for a variation of the condition that his client not have any contact, direct or indirect, with witnesses.
There were a large number of witness statements including from members of his client’s immediate family, Mr Ahern said.
“Not to have any contact with witnesses may pose a problem," the solicitor said, adding his client was acutely aware of his obligations.
Judge David Waters agreed to vary the order that he have no contact direct or indirect with the alleged victim’s family, or any witness to include “with the exception of immediate members of his own family”.
Other bail conditions include that Mr Fleming is to observe a curfew between 11pm and 8am, and on nights he is not working the curfew is to be between 8pm and 8am.
He is to be of sober habits, has to sign on daily at Killorglin Garda Station between 9am and 9pm, reside at Mount Lyne, Killorglin and notify gardai of any change at any stage.
The judge made it a formal condition that he hand in his passport.
Judge Waters on Friday said it was to be brought to the court’s attention “immediately”, if there was a breach of bail.
News
Carols by Candlelight
St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas […]

St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas 2023, December17, at 7.00pm. Admission is free.
Ten Choirs from Killarney parish will join together and sing some of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols.
The carol service is directed by accomplished Musician and Choral Director, Paula Gleeson. Originally from Cork, her family have been involved in all aspects of choral and church music for 50 years.
“This is the best experience as director, working with Fr. Kieran O’Brien, and St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, I get to work with so many talented people in Killarney. The commitment of Teachers, Principals, and the hundreds of students from the Primary and Secondary Schools is inspiring. The generosity of our sponsors, who were so willing to contribute has helped to make this night a reality. We are all so truly grateful,” she said.
Choirs include:
St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Choir, organist Anita Lakner
Holy Cross Mercy School Choir
St. Oliver’s Primary School Choir
St. Brigid’s Secondary School Choir
St. Brendan’s Secondary School Choir
Killarney Harmonisers
Killarney Community College School Choir
Lissivigeen National School Choir
Gaelscoil Faithleann School Choir
Presentation Monastery School Choir
News
The same but different – A tribute to three great Irish musicians

Driving home from work last Friday, tributes for Shane McGowan were pouring out across the radio stations and while listening in, I got a strong sense of déjà vu.
It was only a few months earlier that we got the sad news that the talented Aslan front man Christy Dingham had passed away, and a short few weeks after that – Sinéad O’Connor. The loss of three iconic Irish musicians that left music fans across the country reeling.
When I think about each artist individually, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Yet, for days after the passing of the Pogues frontman, I found myself wondering why I was so drawn to all three.
And then, over the weekend I stumbled across a completely unrelated article which led with a headline:
“In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and disingenuity, “authentic” has somehow emerged as Merriam-Webster’s word for 2023.”
And there was my answer. The one characteristic that embodied all three of these great Irish musicians.
It was my mother that first introduced me to Aslan’s music. She grew up during their peak and loved all sorts of rock music. I regularly watch their Vicar Street performances back on YouTube and still get mesmerised by Christy’s intense stage presence. Using elaborate hand gestures to evoke a greater meaning behind the words, he always looked like he was away in his own world. Off stage, and particularly later in his career, I admired him for his honesty when talking about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He was talking openly about these issues long before it was the norm.
Sinéad O’Connor was another original soul who, because of her talent, was catapulted into a music industry consumed by artificiality; she was almost too pure for it all. I always admired her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Her authenticity was evident in every aspect of her artistry. The way she unapologetically embraced her shaved head and boy-ish style, she challenged conventional opinions around beauty. Her music reflected her personal struggles and she never shied away from addressing issues of social injustice, religion, and gender equality. Her stances often drew criticism and controversy, but she always remained true to herself.
Shane MacGowan will always be remembered for his unfiltered nature, and while the lyrics of many songs were dark and gritty, there was also an element of empathy and compassion in what he wrote. Like Christy, he too struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his career. While his demons sometimes spilled over into the public eye, his honesty and vulnerability just endeared him even more to us Irish.
So isn’t it apt in a year we lost three great musicians, the word of 2023 happens to be the one undeniable trait that they all shared. Thank you Christy, Sinead and Shane for showing us that authenticity is not just about being different to everyone else; but also about possessing the courage to challenge the established, to question the norms, and to keep going, even when the going gets tough.