Connect with us

News

Crimes against deer continue to soar

Published

on

T

Tourism in Killarney is enjoying a boost this autumn with hotels and other accommodation busier than normal, thanks to numbers arriving to catch the deer rutting season amid spectacular autumn foliage.

Large stags and their hinds within metres of the lakeside Lake Hotel dining room have become a nightly fixture for camera-wearing tourists and diners. Social media is right now full of extraordinary pictures of red stags bellowing at dawn.

A recent red deer walk by the Irish Deer Commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service drew visitors from Dublin, Waterford, Wexford and other regions, all of them staying in local hotels and accommodation.

However, fears are being expressed about wildlife crime against deer by unscrupulous gangs operating along the Cork/Kerry border between Kilgarvan and Coolea, and in the Kilcummin area north of Killarney.

Wildlife crime against deer has soared this season in the southwest, the Irish Deer Commission has revealed.

Meetings between the deer commission and gardaí have been taking place in the Cork/Kerry border area in an effort to tackle illegal night-time hunting in particular, but also other wildlife crime against deer, commission spokesman Damien Hannigan said.

The commission, made up of conservationists and deer stalkers and experienced hunters, has had 34 reports of wildlife crime against deer since September 1, when the season for hunting male deer under permit opened. The number of reports is the highest ever than during the recession Mr Hannigan said.

The season for hunting of female deer under permit opened yesterday (November 1) and there are fears of a further increase of the illegal hunting in advance of the Christmas season by gangs who sell the venison illegally.

Deer are dazzled and then shot and in some cases chased to exhaustion by dogs.

Negativity involving unsubstantiated claims that linking deer with the spread of TB and so on may be contributing to the increase, Mr Hannigan added. He is urging the public to report any night-time activity that might be targeting our deer.

Pic: Peter O'Toole.

Advertisement

News

Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

Published

on

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

Continue Reading

News

Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

Published

on

By

The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport