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Culinary Showcase Offers Solutions to Ireland’s Hospitality Staff Crisis

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Apprentices from across Ireland converged at The Great Southern Hotel to compete in the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Competition on Wednesday.

Organised by the Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) in partnership with the Irish Hotel Federation and other industry stakeholders, this event not only displayed exceptional culinary skills but also shed light on a crucial solution to Ireland's ongoing hospitality staff crisis.

The participating apprentices represent a diverse cross-section of emerging talent from Kerry ETB, Cork ETB, Tipperary ETB, Limerick and Clare ETB, Kilkenny and Carlow ETB, Kildare and Wicklow ETB, Cavan & Monaghan ETB, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB, City of Dublin ETB and promises to showcase a melting pot of creativity and passion

Beyond the competition, the event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights into the world of apprenticeship.

Live cookery and display competitions were complemented by inspiring talks from prominent figures in the culinary world, aiming to address the current challenges faced by the hospitality sector.

Among the highlights were guest speakers Mike Tweedie, Head Chef of the Oak Room, and Eddie Attwell, Head Chef of Eccles Hotel Glengarriff. Tweedie and Attwell shared first-hand how the Commis Chef Apprenticeship played a pivotal role in growing their teams, offering a tangible success story for businesses considering similar initiatives.

A panel discussion featured culinary leaders John Drummond, Brendan Byrne, Emer Corridan, and Odhran Lucey underscored the importance of mentoring and training the next generation of chefs. Their insights  contributed to the broader conversation about the role apprenticeships play in ensuring the future success of the hospitality industry.

Mallory Higgins, National Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator who led the event, emphasised its significance in addressing the current hospitality staff crisis in Ireland:
She said: "The Commis Chef Apprenticeship Showcase is not just a competition; it's a celebration of the industry's upcoming talent and a practical solution to the staffing challenges faced by the hospitality sector in Ireland. By highlighting success stories like Mike Tweedie and Eddie Attwell, we aim to inspire more businesses to invest in apprenticeships and grow their own skilled teams."

Mike Tweedie, Head Chef of the Oak Room, added: "The apprenticeship programme gives the apprentice the foundations they need and what we do in the restaurant is reinforce what they learned in college. I have two great chefs from the apprenticeship programme already and I have just taken on a third. One day I hope they are better than me and  have their own Michelin star, that means I have done my job, and it is a great thing for me to watch personally.”

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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 […]

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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.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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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.

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