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Dublin legend Jim Gavin supports local author

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By Sean Moriarty

 

A Killarney man said he was “gobsmacked” to receive a hand-written card from former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin who read his book while on holiday in Dingle.

 

Paddy Osborne, who is also a Dubliner, but is living in Killarney for years, published ‘Baxter’s Boys’ in February of this year.

Based in the north inner city of Dublin, where Paddy grew up, the story traces the lives of a football team as they bond and share life experiences during a previously unheard of run of success for their small soccer squad.

Gavin, who famously led Dublin to five All-Ireland football titles in a row, including defeating Kerry twice, was pictured reading ‘Baxter’s Boys’ in his Dingle holiday home last week.

Gavin is from the Clondalkin area of Dublin, a suburb that faces similar social issues that Osborne covers in his dark comedy.

He won an All-Ireland football medal with Dublin in 1995 but honed his skills as a youngster while participating in the street leagues of Clondalkin and this is another cultural issue that Osborne touches on in his book.

Gavin was so impressed with the local author’s book he took the time to send the Woodlawn man a handwritten card, wishing Paddy the best of luck and closed it with the message ‘Baile Átha Cliath and Ciarraí Abu’.

“I was gobsmacked and delighted to get the photo and card sent to me,” Paddy told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have followed Jim Gavin’s career all my life. I was in Croke Park in 1995 when Dublin won the All-Ireland but I have never seen a photo of Jim relaxing or any sort of snapshot of his private life. He is always seen roaring on a sideline.”

‘Baxter’s Boys’ is available locally in Eason, Main St. The book was well-received at its launch in February with many referring to Osborne as Killarney’s answer to Roddy Doyle.

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Centenary exhibition to chart early years of Fianna Fáil in Kerry

. The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933. The exhibition details how […]

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The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933.

The exhibition details how the party established itself in a county where Civil War divisions were particularly deep-seated. It covers the transition of local figures from revolutionary activities to parliamentary politics and the intense election battles of the late 1920s. Visitors will be able to view documents and archives that illustrate how the party built its organisation across South Kerry in its first decade.

As part of the event, local historian and author Dr. Owen O’Shea will give a public lecture at the library on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. His talk will focus on the foundation of the party and the “bullets to ballots” transition in Kerry politics. The exhibition is free to attend and will be open during the library’s scheduled operating hours throughout the month of March.
The project is the result of extensive research funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The grant was awarded under the Commemorations Bursary Scheme for 2025-2026 and managed by the Royal Irish Academy. This scheme supports local research that helps the public better understand the political and social evolution of Ireland following the Civil War.

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St Brendan’s College travel to London

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5th year students from St Brendan’s College went to London on their English school trip.

They enjoyed a production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Prince of Wales theatre.

The following morning was spent touring Tate Modern before attending a tour and a brilliant interactive workshop in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre focusing on their Leaving Certificate single text “Othello”.

The focus of the workshop centred on the performative elements of the play in relation to themes and character development. 

All students performed with great theatrical verve. 

A brilliant experience for all before attending an acclaimed production of the play in the Theatre Royal.

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