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Designer who diversified up for a national award

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By Michelle Crean

A local business who had no option but to diversify her business to meet the customer's new demands is seeking public votes in a national business competition.

​​​​​​​deBúrca Designs and Alterations is in the Micro Business Section of the National Irish Business Design Challenge 2020 and voting ends on November 15.

Before COVID-19, owner Deirdre Burke from Beaufort, met people on a regular basis for fittings for items to be altered or made, however the pandemic has meant a change to all of that.

"These items would be for events such as weddings, communions, confirmations, and christenings etc. I would be showing my bespoke designs in fashion shows and photoshoots," Deirdre told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Due to COVID-19 all these events were either cancelled or postponed. As a result of this the business suffered a huge loss. I adapted my business and used my skills to develop alternative products and services, enabling me to continue trading and building relationships with customers."

Family and friends asked Deirdre to make one hundred percent cotton non-medical face coverings.

"I started making them in fun and stylish colours and prints, ranging from smart plain black to Disney princesses and superheroes. Demand has grown in line with the growing awareness of the benefits of face coverings and their mandatory use in shops. I have continued to expand the range and I’m currently developing seasonal face coverings with Hallowe'en and Christmas themes. As well as providing them for the general public, I have also provided them to other business customers who had specific design and colour requirements to fit in with their brand guidelines."

She has also further diversified her business by making dog bandanas which have proven to be very popular with dog lovers.

"I will be producing handmade advent calendars leading up to December."

To vote go click here.

If you are interested in any of Deirdre’s products please contact her on 086 3457499. You can also follow and contact her on her Instagram: @deburcadesigns, or her Facebook page: deBúrca Designs and Alterations.

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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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