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Biddy’s Day festival returns to Mid-Kerry

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The Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival began yesterday and is running until February 2.

The festival is taking place across Killorglin, Cromane and the wider Mid-Kerry region, bringing together craft, music, language, ritual and community in the lead-up to St Brigid’s Day.

At the heart of the festival is the ancient Biddy tradition, rooted in Imbolc and the honouring of St Brigid, a time associated with light, renewal, creativity and protection.

Over twelve days, the festival offers a wide mix of family-friendly, traditional and contemporary events, culminating in its most anticipated moment of the year: The Biddy’s Parade.

The parade, taking place on Saturday January 31,is the centrepiece and defining event of the festival.

On parade night, Killorglin town is transformed as Biddy groups from across Mid-Kerry gather in straw hats and traditional costume, carrying Brídeógs through the streets in a powerful procession of fire, music, movement and celebration.

The parade is free, open to all to join in or support, and remains one of the most atmospheric and visually striking expressions of living Irish folklore in the country.

Fire performers, live music and street celebrations follow, before the night continues into the town’s venues.

Founded in 2017, the Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival has been instrumental in reviving a tradition that had been in serious decline.

From just two active Biddy groups less than a decade ago, the region now supports a growing network of groups, with children, families and new communities actively involved.

The 2026 festival continues this work, blending heritage with creativity and ensuring the tradition remains relevant, inclusive and alive.

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Soroptimists to host annual Pancake and Coffee Morning

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Killarney Soroptimist Club has announced the return of its annual Pancake and Coffee Morning, which will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 17.

The event will be held at the Killarney Avenue Hotel starting from 10.30am.

Attendees can look forward to a morning of music and entertainment featuring Tim Gleeson and friends.

Along with pancakes and coffee, the event will feature various raffles and a door prize on the day.

This year’s door prize is a two-night bed and breakfast stay at the Hayfield Manor Hotel.

The event is a significant fundraiser for the club, with all proceeds being donated to Rockmount Care Centre in Kilgarvan and St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort.

Tickets for the morning are priced at €20 and are available for purchase from, Soroptimist Members, the chosen beneficiary charities or Sheila Casey at 086 814 9677.

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Julie Deady wins first Camera Club competition of year

The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries. Top honours went […]

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The first competition of the new year proved a strong start for Killarney Camera Club, with January’s theme of “Sunset” attracting a wide range of high-quality entries.

Top honours went to Julie Deady, a former Photographer of the Year winner with the club, for her image titled Church of St Primoz and Felicijan. The photograph was taken in Slovenia and captured a striking sunset, with deep reds and strong orange tones stretching across the sky. The setting sun silhouetted a bank of clouds, while warm evening light spilled across the surrounding landscape.
The nearby church, trees and open fields were softly lit, adding depth and balance to the scene. The image impressed judge John Hootan, a distinguished photographer, who praised its exposure, composition and timing. He awarded the photograph full marks, describing it as a benchmark for the competitions ahead.
Members said the standard of entries made the judging particularly competitive and set a positive tone for the year. With such a strong opening round, anticipation is already building for the next monthly themes as members continue to develop their skills and creativity.
The club thanked all members who took part, noting that the growing level of participation and friendly rivalry continues to raise standards across the competitions.

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