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“Don’t leave us behind” – Musicians gather to voice their frustration

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FRUSTRATION: Professional musicians Sam and Ina White, pictured with their sons Charlie and Jack, at The Demense, where locals gathered to display their frustration at the lack of Government support for the live music and arts industry. Photo: Sally MacMonagle.

By Michelle Crean

The latest easing of restrictions has frustrated an industry who are now calling on Fáilte Ireland and the Government not to leave them behind.

Up to 150 from the music industry - who have been out of work for over 430 days - gathered at The Demense on Wednesday evening to voice their frustration over a "blanket ban" for live music.

Under the most recent Fáilte Ireland guidelines, pubs, restaurants, hotels and weddings won't be allowed to have live music.

Those that gathered included musicians, singers, lighting technicians, pub and hotel owners who say they are left devastated that there's no clear steps forward for them as the country begins to slowly reopen.

And with a change in PUP payments coming down the line, they are now calling on the Government and Fáilte Ireland to show them support by giving them a clear plan forward.

Professional full-time musician Ina White, who sings with her husband Sam and also five-piece band 'The Small Hours', organised the socially distanced gathering.

"Fáilte Ireland have a blanket ban that there's to be no live music and the gathering was to highlight the lack of support the industry feels," she told the Killarney Advertiser.

"The industry is frustrated with the opening up plan by the Government. All they want to do is to go back to work. Structures will have to be put in place to help the industry get back on its feet."

The mother-of-three from Glenflesk, who was gigging six night's a week locally before COVID hit, explained that those in the industry, including herself, are not calling for music to be allowed in venues right away, but for a clear plan to be formed.

"Understandably the science behind no indoor live music for now until there is more of a vaccine rollout as safety is a priority, but with no proper clarity and with announcements changing every day musicians are crying out to be heard and listened to. There's no support at all."

She explained that Killarney is a very popular tourist town with hundreds of musicians.

"Music is one of those things that draws tourists to Ireland. It's all well and good doing large tester events and that's fantastic to see progress but this doesn't help the self employed one and two piece groups and small bands that play in local pubs and venues countrywide. The gathering was to highlight the lack of support the industry feels. With the PUP being phased out towards the end of the year and not a gig in sight we are looking at yet another season passing us by. Music has always been part of our culture and moving forward out of this pandemic we want to be able to sing and play again and not be left behind."

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Final delivery as DJ retires

By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

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By Michelle Crean

There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.

Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.

On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.

“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.

“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”

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Rowers pull together for Order of Malta

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

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Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.

Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!

As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!

No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.

The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.

“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.

“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”

Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.

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