News
Brave Orlaith to take to the catwalk for cancer charity
COURAGE: Orlaith Monks from Ross Road, who now lives in Beaufort, will take part in the Models for Recovery fundraiser for the very first time next Wednesday night. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Michelle Crean
It’ll be an emotional night for Killarney lady Orlaith Monks, who, after overcoming breast cancer, plans to bravely take to the catwalk next Wednesday night.
The 51-year-old, who is originally from Ross Road and now lives in Beaufort, now hopes to help raise funds and awareness for the sixth annual ‘Models in Recovery Fashion Show’.
Orlaith, who courageously had a double mastectomy, will be amongst approximately 20 others who have fought cancer, in the INEC on Wednesday next for the Killarney branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
And, although Orlaith says she’s used to the stage following shows with Killarney Musical Society, she admitted it will be an emotional rollercoaster on the night.
“It will be very emotional for me, I never in a million years thought I’d be on the stage as a cancer survivor,” Orlaith told the Killarney Advertiser.
“I’m not nervous. I’m doing it for those who can’t do it.”
Feeling off for many years Orlaith decided to visit her doctor to discuss HRT treatment for the menopause. However, in order to take the prescription she was advised to get a mammogram, but was called back a week later as the result wasn’t clear.
Not worried about anything sinister, Orlaigh, a mother of three, went back and was told that she had a lump and that it was HER2 Negative breast cancer.
After many tests and biopsies, Orlaith took the brave step and decided to have both breasts removed and was relieved to hear that she didn’t need any chemotherapy treatment afterwards.
“I felt liberated,” she said. “They don’t define me, I’m still the same person I was two years ago. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I wasn’t doing it for myself, I did it for my family. I feel very lucky that I dodged a bullet. I wasn’t one for checking myself but I’d say to anyone to check yourself.”
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the Killarney Arts Working Group, has officially launched the 2026 ANAM Summer Arts Programme (ASAP).
The dedicated arts and cultural space on East Avenue Road is set to host a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, film, and youth competitions designed to appeal to both local residents and tourists throughout the peak holiday season.
The summer lineup aims to provide artists with critical platforms to showcase their work while giving audiences accessible opportunities to experience live art. Councillor Martin O’Grady noted that the programme includes a multitude of performances, offering an important platform for all ages to enjoy the arts. Mary Murphy of the Killarney Arts Working Group added that utilizing the ANAM space successfully draws new audiences to the Killarney arts scene.
Featured events include “Bog Jazz,” an innovative project by musicians Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy that reworks traditional Sliabh Luachra fiddle music using electric guitar and drums. Additionally, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence Aidan Connolly will lead a two-night concert series in late July alongside Bryan O’Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, and Charlie O’Brien, exploring the unique history, songs, and folklore of the region.
The programme also features “The Anam Sessions,” a series of five free bi-weekly evening concerts directed by Tim O’Shea. These sessions will showcase emerging local talent across Irish folk, singer-songwriter, and Afro-Irish genres. For younger musicians, the popular “Battle of the Bands” competition returns in August. Organised in partnership with Music Generation Kerry, it will feature separate junior and senior categories to highlight local youth talent.
The summer performance series is fully sponsored by the Kerry Arts Service. For further queries, the public can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.
ANAM Summer Arts Event Calendar
Traditional and Folk Music (The Anam Sessions with Tim O’Shea) Dates: ; Wednesday, July 15; Wednesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sliabh Luachra Traditional Music Concert Series (Aidan Connolly and Guests) Dates: Wednesday, July 29; Thursday, July 30 Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Senior Competition) Dates: Friday, August 7; Friday, August 14; Friday, August 21; Friday, August 28 Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Junior Competition) Dates: Sunday, August 9; Sunday, August 16; Sunday, August 23; Sunday, August 30 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bog Jazz Performance (Eoin O’Sullivan & Shane Murphy) Date: Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
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