Ciara Forde earns 26th black belt for Judo Club

Ciara Forde became the 26th member of Killarney Judo Club to achieve black belt status following a successful performance on Sunday, September 27.

Forde spent the past year travelling to events across Ireland and the UK to secure the competitive points required for the grade. Needing three victories on the day, she completed the line-up by defeating an opponent who had beaten her in a previous bout.
The achievement marks a family milestone, with Forde joining her father Aidan and older sister Kate as black belt holders at the Killarney club.
“It’s a great reflection of her consistency and hard work this year,” coach Tim Kelly said. “Ciara has also been a mentor to many of the young girls through coaching, and hopefully she will inspire more to achieve their black belts in the years to come.”
Club members Patrik Polubnak and James Maher, both aged 16, also advanced their black belt gradings on the day. Each fighter reached 30 points, with Polubnak securing three submission victories and Maher earning two wins.
Conor Sowerby and Shaun Hester both attained their blue belts. Sowerby, who began his judo training in Killarney, now competes with UCD, while Hester recently joined the local club’s juvenile coaching team.
The club is now preparing for upcoming fixtures, with senior members traveling to the Leinster Open in Dublin and junior members competing at the Munster Mini Mon in Limerick.
Further details are available by contacting Tim Kelly on 086-2601591 or visiting killarneyjudo.com.

KASI launches new inclusive community singing group

Killarney Immigrant Support Centre (KASI) has announced the launch of Killarney Le Chéile Singalong, a new free community singing initiative designed to bring together local residents from all backgrounds.

The ten-week programme begins on Tuesday, October 6, with sessions running every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm at the Anam Centre on East Avenue.
The group is open to all members of the public with no auditions, fees, or prior musical experience required. Songs will be taught by ear, featuring a mix of Irish folk tunes, modern classics, gospel, and international music.
KASI Coordinator Marilyn Catapat-Counihan highlighted the role of music in building social connections across the local community.
“Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together,” Catapat-Counihan said. “You don’t have to speak the same language, come from the same place, or have the same life experience to enjoy singing a song together. That is really what Killarney Le Chéile Singalong is about, creating a relaxed and welcoming space where people can meet, have fun, and feel part of the community.”
Participants are also invited to suggest their own favourite songs to help build a shared repertoire reflecting the diverse cultures within the town.
Further details on the weekly sessions are available by contacting Marilyn Catapat-Counihan on 086-7915742, Brian Vandamme on 083-3767513, or through the KASI office on 064-6620705.