A book chronicling how the people of Killarney coped during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 is being snapped up in local bookshops in the days leading up to Christmas.

AUTHOR: Mayor Marie Moloney pictured with Marie Carroll O'Sullivan author of ‘Behind the Mask Killarney’ a book benefitting 3 local organisations - Kerry Branch for the Irish Cancer Society Nathan's Walk Pieta House and gift tokens for the COVID-19 staff ICU ward 2020. Photo: Marke Hajdasz

There is massive demand for Killarney Behind the Mask which, in words and pictures, focuses on the lives and experiences of many people who had to adapt to a whole new way of living with proceeds from the venture going to charity.
Killarney Behind the Mask tells the stories of ordinary men, women and children whose lives were turned upside down from January to December 2020 as Killarney battened down the hatches.
The book has been written and published by Killarney Advertiser columnist, Marie Carroll O’Sullivan, who made it her business to photograph and chat to as many local people as possible, initially within her 2km travel limit and later further afield, to determine how Killarney dealt with the pandemic.
She originally posted the stories on her social media site, The Little Memory Gallery, and the response was so positive that she decided to publish her work in book form.
LAUNCH
Speaking at the official launch on Saturday, author Marie said Behind the Mask oozes community spirit as demonstrated throughout a global pandemic.
“Through my eyes, it was never a big project, more a labour of love. I am immensely proud to showcase our beautiful town during a time when we radiated exceptional positivity and resilience,” she said.
“My notion of compiling a book was backed by the people of Killarney to the tune of thousands of euro. They invested in me and what a massive compliment that it,” she said.
“Behind the Mask gives the opportunity to give back to society as well as the beneficiaries involved and I thank each and every person involved who honoured ne by smiling down my lens in making this history book a possibility,” Marie said.
The 364-page hardback, coffee table style publication was officially launched at the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Saturday evening where the guest speakers included Mayor of Killarney Cllr Marie Moloney and inspirational teenager Ian O’Connell who wrote the foreword to the book.
The publication is dedicated to Marie’s parents, Mary and the late Pat, and to the late Killarney Garda Paudie Twohig who, with his Garda wife Diane, contributed hugely to the book.

CHARITIES

The beneficiaries of the sale of the book are the Kerry branch of the Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House-Nathan’s Walk while Marie has also decided to donate part of the proceeds to purchase pampering gifts for the COVID-19 staff at University Hospital Kerry.

AVAILABLE

The book, designed by Sinead Collins of Design by Sinead and edited by John O’Mahony of O’Mahony Media, retails at €35 and it is available at Eason on Main Street, Bricín on High Street, Kerry Catering Supplies at the Countess Shopping Centre and O’Connor’s Newsagents on Beech Road.