Local photographer shortlisted in national astrophotography competition

Killarney-based photographer Goran Loncar has been shortlisted in the 2026 Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, and the public is being urged to cast their votes to support his entries.

The national competition is organised by the School of Cosmic Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) in partnership with The Irish Times. It celebrates the best of night sky photography captured across Ireland over the past year.
Loncar secured two spots on the final shortlist with distinct night sky images. His first entry, titled Gap of Dunloe, captures a small local house positioned under the Orion constellation. His second shortlisted photograph, Earth-lit Crescent Moon, focuses on a crescent Moon, showing subtle, detailed features across its shadowed surface.
Members of the public can now vote for Loncar’s work in the Public Choice Award category. The full exhibition of shortlisted images is available to view online at www.reachforthestars.ie/exhibition, where people can browse the gallery before casting their ballot. Voting remains open until 5pm on July 13, with a strict limit of one vote per person.
Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, noted that the creative and technical standards of this year’s submissions have raised the benchmark for the competition once again.
Aside from the public vote, an expert judging panel including representatives from astronomy, science communication, and media will select overall winners in separate categories, with prizes including photographic equipment vouchers and publication. The winner of the Public Choice category will receive a €250 voucher for photographic equipment alongside passes to the three main sites of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland.

Killarney Active Retirement Association (ARA) had a large turnout for its annual general meeting, which marked a significant changing of the guard for the local organisation.

A special presentation was made to Nancy Hegarty, who is stepping back after serving the organisation for 33 years.

Throughout more than three decades on the committee, she worked to support the group across various roles at national, regional, and local levels.

Patricia Keane also stepped down from her position after completing her term.

The group extended its best wishes to both women for the future, noting that their experience remains a valuable asset to the association.

A new committee was formally elected at the meeting to lead the group forward. Joan O’Sullivan takes over as Chairperson, joined by Teresa Commins as Secretary and Helen Foley as Treasurer, alongside seven committee members who will take on supporting roles.

The group is now on its summer break after another busy season. Killarney Active Retirement Group meets every Friday from September to June annually at the KDYS hall from 2pm to 4pm.

The weekly meetings feature guest speakers, exercises, training sessions, shows, day trips, holidays, and tea dances.

The association welcomes new members, both male and female, to come along, have a cup of tea or coffee, make new friends, and participate at whatever level they feel comfortable with when activities resume in September.