Listowel festival honours Gneeveguilla seanchaí Éamon Kelly

The Listowel International Storytelling Festival returns from September 17 to 20, featuring four days of traditional music, poetry, and international performances.

This year’s theme, “Past Voices, Future Stories,” honours the legacy of Ireland’s traditional storytellers while providing a platform for new artists. A major highlight of the four-day gathering is a special tribute to legendary Gneeveguilla seanchaí, actor, and playwright Éamon Kelly, marking the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Born in Sliabh Luachra in 1914, Kelly left school at 14 to work as an apprentice carpenter before pursuing a career in acting and storytelling. He joined the Radio Éireann Players in 1952 and performed extensively with both the Gate and Abbey theatres in Dublin. In 1966, he earned a Tony Award nomination for his role in Brian Friel’s play Philadelphia, Here I Come!.
The festival tribute features an archival exhibition documenting his career, alongside a celebratory concert with storytellers Nuala Hayes, Frances Kennedy, Daisy Kearney, and Danny Larkin, performing with Sliabh Luachra musicians Bryan O’Leary and Aidan Connolly. A dedicated panel discussion, chaired by theatre historian Dr Fiona Brennan, will feature Kelly’s son, Eoin Kelly, discussing his father’s life and artistic contributions.
International storytellers and performers from the USA, the UK, Morocco, Japan, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Belgium will join leading Irish artists across the weekend. The line-up includes a Culture Night showcase featuring the Listowel Community Youth Choir, local school visits, storytelling workshops, and a jazz performance by Karen Underwood celebrating the music of Nina Simone.
Executive Director of the Kerry Writers’ Museum Cara Trant highlighted the importance of remembering the Gneeveguilla native.
“We are particularly proud to celebrate Éamon Kelly during this year’s festival,” Ms Trant said. “His remarkable legacy reminds us of the power of a voice, a story, and an audience gathered together. Through this programme, we honour the storytellers who came before us while creating space for new voices to be heard.”
The full festival schedule and ticket details are available directly through the Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel.

Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series

Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and activities taking place across the town from September through December.

The initiative sees the community committee team up with local Champion Organisations to offer inclusive, adapted sessions for children, teenagers, and adults.
Funding from Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund supports the upcoming autumn and winter programme.
The series begins on Saturday, September 19, with an outdoor rock climbing day in the Gap of Dunloe organised alongside Roam Wild. The session offers dedicated teen and adult climbing slots designed to build confidence in a supportive setting.
In October, West End House will host a three-week series of inclusive classes on October 7, 14, and 21. Separate hourly sessions will run for teenagers aged 13 to 17, children aged 9 to 12, and adults aged 18 and over, with capacity capped at 10 participants per group.
The programme continues in November with creative art sessions at The Art House, before joining the wider Christmas in Killarney celebrations in December.
During the festive season, Autism Friendly Killarney will provide sensory and quiet spaces at the annual Christmas parades to assist attendees who find large crowds and noise challenging.
Organisers confirmed that further community partnerships are currently being planned for early next year.
Booking details for all events are managed directly through the individual partner venues, with places allocated on a first-come basis. Further information on upcoming sessions is available via the Autism Friendly Killarney website and social media channels.