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Big horseshoes to fill at Muckross Traditional Farms
In training…Horse Handler Chris Scanlon, left, and David Brennan, Farm Hand, at Muckross Traditional Farms, breaking in two arrivals to the much loved farm - the magnificent Clydesdale horses - ‘Paddy’ and ‘Ace’. Both in training and taking over from the much-loved former working Clydesdales, ‘Bud’ and ‘Ned’. Their contribution for over 20 years, made them a much-loved part of the Muckross farm experience. Now Paddy and Ace have certainly big horse shoes to fill. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***
In training…David Brennan, Farm Hand at Muckross Traditional Farms, breaking in two arrivals to the much loved farm - the magnificent Clydesdale horses - ‘Paddy’ and ‘Ace’. Both in training and taking over from the much-loved former working Clydesdales, ‘Bud’ and ‘Ned’. Their contribution for over 20 years, made them a much-loved part of the Muckross farm experience. Now Paddy and Ace have certainly big horse shoes to fill. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***
In training…David Brennan, Farm Hand at Muckross Traditional Farms, breaking in two arrivals to the much loved farm - the magnificent Clydesdale horses - ‘Paddy’ and ‘Ace’. Both in training and taking over from the much-loved former working Clydesdales, ‘Bud’ and ‘Ned’. Their contribution for over 20 years, made them a much-loved part of the Muckross farm experience. Now Paddy and Ace have certainly big horse shoes to fill. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***
In training…Horse Handler Chris Scanlon, left, Muckross Farm and Events Manager Toddy Doyle, David Brennan and Tim Cronin, Farm Hands, at Muckross Traditional Farms, breaking in two arrivals to the much loved farm - the magnificent Clydesdale horses - ‘Paddy’ and ‘Ace’. Both in training and taking over from the much-loved former working Clydesdales, ‘Bud’ and ‘Ned’. Their contribution for over 20 years, made them a much-loved part of the Muckross farm experience. Now Paddy and Ace have certainly big horse shoes to fill. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***
In training…David Brennan, Farm Hand at Muckross Traditional Farms, breaking in two arrivals to the much loved farm - the magnificent Clydesdale horses - ‘Paddy’ and ‘Ace’. Both in training and taking over from the much-loved former working Clydesdales, ‘Bud’ and ‘Ned’. Their contribution for over 20 years, made them a much-loved part of the Muckross farm experience. Now Paddy and Ace have certainly big horse shoes to fill. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***
Big horseshoes to fill at Muckross Traditional Farms
Muckross Traditional Farms has welcomed two new members to its working team with the arrival of Paddy and Ace, two magnificent Clydesdale horses already drawing significant attention from staff and visitors alike.
The six-year-old horses step into the harness to replace long-serving Clydesdales Bud and Ned, who retired after working at the estate for over 20 years. Paddy and Ace certainly have big horseshoes to fill following the decades of service provided by their predecessors.
Paddy, officially registered as Clarnagh Jameson, originated in Kilcock, County Kildare. The Trustees of Muckross House purchased the six-year-old from breeder Cyril Downey, who also broke and trained him.
Ace, registered as Thorpe Hill Ace, travelled from Dale Abbey in Derby, UK, after being gifted directly to the estate by Mrs Sue Pratt to secure a forever home for the horse.
"We at the Traditional Farms were blown away with Mrs Pratt’s generosity and are delighted to accept such a fabulous horse," said Toddy Doyle, Farm and Events Manager. "With over 70,000 visitors to the Traditional Farms so far this year, these two magnificent Clydesdales have already attracted so much attention. As the saying goes, never look a gift horse in the mouth!"
Clydesdales are chosen specifically for their immense strength, gentle nature, and placid temperament—traits essential for working around large public crowds. Paddy and Ace are currently undergoing training and will soon take on traditional farm duties, pulling the popular visitor carts and carriages across the estate.
Photo Caption
NEW ARRIVALS: Clydesdales Paddy and Ace settling into their new working home at Muckross Traditional Farms alongside Farm and Events Manager Toddy Doyle. Photos: Valerie O'Sullivan.
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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