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Book of Condolences opened at Town Hall as Killarney pays tribute to Brendan Grace

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Tributes have been paid to the comedian and singer Brendan Grace who passed away this week aged 68.

Best known for his character Bottler, he also starred in the hit TV sit-com Fr Ted as exiled priest Fr Fintan.

The Irish showbiz legend was an integral part of the Killarney social scene and was a regular fixture at the INEC over the years.

When the late Maurice O’Donoghue was putting Killarney and The Gleneagle Hotel on the map he employed the stand-up comic as one of his , and subsequently longest-standing, acts.

"We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of our great friend Brendan Grace. Brendan worked hard to bring happiness and laughter to generations of Gleneagle guests. We are eternally grateful to him for creating so many memories both in The Gleneagle Ballroom and the INEC over the past five decades. Our thoughts are with his wife Eileen, his family and his many friends at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís,"  Patrick O'Donoghue, CEO of The Glenagle Group told the Killarney Advertiser.

He usually stayed at the International Hotel where head porter Frank O’Sullivan has fond memories of the Dubliner.

“He would come back year after year but would always remember us by name,” said Frank.

He was also a regular customer at the Handy Stores where staff member Frances Healy remembered his generosity.

“I remember singing a few songs with him in the store,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “He was very generous. He used to send down CDs for the staff and the jarveys. He would name each individual jarvey that he wanted to give the CDs to and he would follow up with a letter thanking us for our time when we were only delighted to have him here in the first place.”

Kerry County Council will open a Book of Condolences for the late Brendan Grace at the Killarney Municipal District Office from 9am today (Friday July 12).

The Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Michael Gleeson expressed his condolences to the Grace family, saying that Brendan Grace had a long and much-valued association with Killarney.

"Brendan Grace was a larger than life figure who brought so much happiness and enjoyment to so many people, not least during his many performances in Killarney and County Kerry over the years. We are happy to afford this opportunity to people who wish to record their condolences to do so through our Killarney office at the Town Hall. We extend our deepest sympathies to Brendan’s family and friends at this sad time," said Cllr Gleeson.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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