The Glenflesk figure dancing team of Clodagh McSwiney, Rebecca O’Donoghue, Rachel O’Donoghue, Emily McMahon, Seoidín Dunne, and Paddy MacGillicuddy, pictured following their victory in the East Kerry Final of Scór na bPáistí in Fossa. Mentored by Maria McMahon and Lisa Hegarty, the group will now represent the district in the county final in Ballybunion on March 22nd.

Spring welcomed with trad music at Muckross House

A special musical celebration titled ‘St. Brigid and the Arrival of Spring’ took place recently in the great hall of Muckross House.

The event, presented by the Muckross House Research Library on behalf of the Trustees, featured performances by world-famous tin whistle player Mary Bergin, master harper Kathleen Loughnane, and fiddle and bouzouki player Mick Conneely.
The evening included a repertoire of jigs, reels, and slow airs. During the performance, Kathleen Loughnane shared historical insights into the Belfast Harp Festival of 1792, where Edward Bunting recorded ancient tunes to preserve them. She also highlighted the story of a North Kerry man named Lyons who served as the harper to Lord Antrim.
Former Mayor of Killarney, Michael Gleeson, was among the attendees and praised the event for its informative and enjoyable atmosphere. He noted that the music helped dispel the gloom of recent weather and extended his thanks to Patricia and the organizing team.
The performers brought distinguished backgrounds to the Killarney stage. Mary Bergin, originally from Dublin and now living in Connemara, received an Honorary Doctorate from UCD in 2022. Kathleen Loughnane, a native of