Killarney-based photographer Goran Lončar has finally achieved a long-held ambition by capturing a series of incredible images of deer silhouetted against a full moon in Knockreer.

The photographs, which feature the deer positioned perfectly at the crest of the hill, were the result of four years of patience and repeated attempts.

The breakthrough came on the night of Wednesday, 1st April, during the rise of the “Full Pink Moon.”

“I want to share something really special I managed to capture last Wednesday at Knockreer in Killarney National Park!” Goran said. “After four years of trying to capture this exact moment, I finally get luck on my side!”

The challenge for such photography lies in the precise alignment of the moon, the weather, and the unpredictable behaviour of the wildlife. Lončar set up his equipment in the fields near the Knockreer loop walk, an area known for its deer population, but success was never guaranteed.

“This type of photography is quite challenging, as there are many variables involved, such as where the moon will rise and how bright it will be by the time it reaches a certain height above the hill,” Goran explained. “The weather looked promising, so I decided to try again maybe finally capture a deer or stag with a full moon behind it.”

Unlike many modern images that rely on digital alteration, Lončar emphasized that these shots are the result of raw timing and natural conditions. “It’s an extremely rare and natural shot, completely real with no AI or Photoshop manipulation involved,” he said. “For me, this is something special as a photographer. We were lucky to have clear skies last Wednesday with beautiful setting! And finally, after countless try’s deer’s cooperated!”

A critical factor in the success of the shoot was the state of the animals themselves at approximately 9:30 PM.

“The key factor was the position of the deer. I didn’t want them in the middle of the hill. They needed to be right at the top, out of the tree line, and calm. If they are moving to much or agitated, it’s not possible to get this kind of shot.”

The resulting images provide a unique, ethereal perspective on Killarney’s famous red deer, standing at the summit of the park’s rolling hills under the bright lunar glow.

The third annual Streets of Killarney Five-Mile Road Race took place on Good Friday, firmly establishing itself as a premier event on the national athletics circuit.

Hosted by Killarney Valley Athletic Club (KVAC), the race saw 1,000 runners take to the town’s streets, with all available entry spots snapped up a full month before the starting gun.

The “fast and flat” course attracted a high-calibre field of elite athletes alongside hundreds of local amateur runners.

Oisin Murray of An Ríocht A.C. claimed the top spot in the men’s category with a time of 24:03, while Leevale A.C.’s Michelle Finn led the women’s field, crossing the finish line in 27:07.

A major highlight of the evening was the participation of official race ambassador and Canadian Paralympian Maddie Wilson-Walker.

A world-class double amputee who lives and trains in Killarney with KVAC, she completed the 5-mile course to a massive reception from the local crowd.

Following the race, she was formally honoured by the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, for her resilience and her impact on the local sporting community.

Jeremiah Griffin, Chairperson of Killarney Valley AC, praised the continued growth of the event.

He noted that the proceeds are vital for the ongoing development of the club’s athletics facility, ensuring it remains a top-class resource for both young and old in the area.

The event was blessed with calm and mild running weather, a fortunate break given that a Status Yellow weather warning and a severe storm hit the region less than 24 hours later.

Photos by:Olga Derevyanko

Streets of Killarney 5-Mile Results 2026
Top Male Finishers

1. Oisin Murray (An Ríocht A.C.)24:03
2. Jake O’Regan (St. John’s A.C.)24:12
3. Juan Peña (Raheny Shamrock A.C.)24:45
Top Female Finishers

1. Michelle Finn (Leevale A.C.)27:07
2. Amy Pollman Daamen (An Ríocht A.C.)28:22
3. Lily Riordan (Star of the Laune A.C.)28:26