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.