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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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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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