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Echoes of Killarney Past this St Patrick’s Day

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A nostalgic reflection on Killarney’s proud past, including its rich history, folklore and legends, will be the focus of this year’s gala St Patrick’s Day parade in the town.

Echoes of Killarney Past is the theme chosen for the annual celebration of the national feast day with the spotlight falling, in particular, on three historical features in the town: 

Inisfallen Island and the tales of the monks who significantly shaped Killarney’s history;

Ross Castle, a wonderful landmark, which showcases a real symbol of Killarney’s resilience;

Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861 with a focus on capturing the pomp and grandeur of the occasion.

The theme for the Killarney parade will evolve over the coming years to celebrate Killarney's present and future but, in 2024, the focus will be very much on the town’s historical past.

“This year our goal is to elevate the Killarney event to become the premier regional parade outside of Dublin and we are counting on the support of the public and the adoption of the theme to achieve this,” said St Patrick’s Festival Chairperson, Jason Clifford.

A fun zone and live music will add to the magical atmosphere on the streets of Killarney on St Patrick’s Day and, to ensure full inclusivity, plans are at an advanced stage to provide an enhanced area at the Anam Centre on East Avenue Road where the focus will be on accessibility, autism-friendly and providing a quiet space.

The bumper festival, as always, is being organised by a team of volunteers guided by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce in partnership with Kerry County Council and with support from Fáilte Ireland.

Several major events have been planned for the festival including a star-studded concert in St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, on Saturday, March 16th, featuring renowned pianist Frank McNamara who will elevate many Irish classics to new heights.

Joining him on the night will be celebrated soprano Megan Ruby Walsh, accomplished RTÉ Concert Orchestra violinist Anne Phelan and lead dancer with Riverdance Tomás Ó Sé who will astonish the audience with his rhythmic footwork and dynamic movements, showcasing the unparalleled beauty of Irish dance.

Later that evening, as the sun sets and the stars emerge on the eve of St Patrick’s Day, Frank McNamara will perform Chopin by Candlelight which will be meticulously crafted to showcase the breadth of Chopin's genius and it promises an immersive experience that will linger in the memory long after the final notes have faded.

The concerts are being organised in conjunction with the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens and the Europe Hotel and Resort.

On the Monday after the St Patrick’s parade, at 12 noon, there will be a real feast of fun in store at the Great Duck Dash on the River Deenagh at Knockreer with proceeds going to the St Francis Special School in Beaufort.

At 2.30pm that day seanchaí Ray O’Sullivan will present Myths & Legends for Families at the Anam Centre on East Avenue Road and at 5.00pm he will reflect on Echoes of Killarney Past at the same venue.

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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