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Economic boost for Killarney as 1,400 dancers take to the stage

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Local businesses are set to get an economic boost this week as the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships kick off in Killarney.

Taking place at The Gleneagle Hotel and Gleneagle INEC Arena, in excess of 1,400 dancers from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland, will take to the stage over the course of the six days competing for a world title in the championships which run from November 1 to 6.

Over 19 competitions take place over the six-day championships and winners are announced every day after each competition. The competitions are held in the INEC auditorium and The Gleneagle Ballroom. The age profile of the competitors is nine to over 21-years-old.

An Chomhdháil is delighted to return to Killarney this year having been unable to run the event in 2020. This is Killarney’s fifth occasion to host the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.

Strict Government guidelines will be adhered to for indoor events. Only adults with COVID certificates will be permitted to enter. Dancers and spectators under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a COVID certificate. Facemasks are mandatory.

The economic benefits of these championships will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and many other businesses. Studies carried out between 2016 and 2019 calculated the Championships were worth €12 million to the local economy.

An Chomhdháil, the organisation who run the World Irish Dance Championships, have an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish Dance organisations, being the first Irish dance organisation to bring in the no make-up rule for girls under 13 years of age in 2007. Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under 10 through to adult.

“We are honoured to welcome the 2021 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships,” Patrick O’Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group, said. “We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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