Connect with us

News

Celtic Steps back after long-running planning row

Published

on

By Sean Moriarty

Celtic Steps will celebrate a new lease of life by performing for the first time in 14 months tomorrow night (Saturday).

The Irish dance and music spectacular will record a behind-closed-doors show at the INEC which will be broadcast on a yet to be announced date.

It is the Killarney team’s first show after a long-running planning permission row came to an end this week.

The show, popular with locals and visitors alike, was based at Killarney Racecourse for the last number of years but faced challenges over late night noise and crowds.

However, the team behind Celtic Steps and Killarney Racecourse Company worked behind the scenes to overcome the issues.

“Each and every remedial action required to comply with all the planning requirements was met along with the substantial financial cost. The result is a stunning theatre for our show – fully sound-proofed, fully air conditioned with large bus and car parking facilities,” said a Celtic Steps statement issued this week. “The show, without doubt, would not be still running in Killarney without the foresight of Killarney Race Company. We appreciate the huge support from all our local residents, businesses and tourism interests.”

Celtic Steps is already preparing for next season and Saturday’s INEC concert is a part of their 2021 plans.

“Our main ethos has always been the nurturing and promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance, we believe that our benefit to the economy, the creation of 55 jobs and our determination to promote both Killarney and County Kerry has only increased our resolve. Now is the time for us all to promote, produce and protect our amazing jewel, Killarney."

Celtic Steps thanked The INEC Arena team and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their efforts in getting Saturday night’s performance off the ground.

Advertisement

News

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Published

on

O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

Published

on

Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport