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Dancing and walking on the wild side

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Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue at the weekend as part of Killarney Walking Festival's charity night. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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RAINDROPS and a generous sprinkling of exuberance were in the air at the weekend for a unique mountaintop set dance that unfolded as part of Killarney Walking Festival.

Trekkers clutching bodhráns and tin whistles made tracks up Strickeen Mountain to enjoy a polka set with members of Kilgobnet Biddies Group – and all in aid of Killarney Water Rescue. “It was just the mountain that was dampened by the rain...the spirits were lifted,” said Killarney Walking Festival organiser and photographer Valerie O’Sullivan.

The event was co-ordinated as part of the festival’s charity night. “We would like to say a big Strickeen thank you to the Kilgobnet Biddies, and all the walkers who trekked Strickeen for Killarney Water Rescue,” added Valerie. “It was a great night. And in good time-honoured tradition, the sun didn’t oblige!”

Killarney Walking Festival took place from Friday to Sunday and the organisers included some new signature treks – The ‘Peaks of the Reeks’ including the iconic Carrantuohill and Coomloughra Horse Shoe Treks, and Caherconree – Ancient fort of Cú Roí Mac Dáire.

“The festival is a chance to enjoy a weekend of long relaxing guided walks, and boat trips. The headquarters were The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney,” said Valerie. “It was a chance to discover the hidden valleys, mountains, reeks, lakeshores and all that is beautiful and untamed about Killarney and its famed National Park.”

Killarney Water Rescue provides an important voluntary service to the area and it hopes to purchase a 4×4 vehicle for attending all emergencies.
John O’Sullivan, Reeks Lodge and Guiding, and experienced Killarney guides Ray and Mary Walsh of Walk with Me were also guides at the festival,
 


 
Pictured above: Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue at the weekend as part of Killarney Walking Festival's charity night. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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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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