News
Epsom Derby champ was a winner alright in Killarney
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WHEN the Aidan O’Brien-trained Wings Of Eagles romped to victory in the prestigious Epsom Derby last Saturday, it sparked great celebrations at Killarney Racecourse where there was a special interest in the big event.
The 40/1 rank outsider caused a major sensation when he powered past the post in the elite event but it came as no huge surprise to those monitoring the proceedings from the Ross Road track where Wings Of Eagles won his maiden race last summer.
The Epsom success provided O’Brien with a sixth Derby winner but the impressive colt had already caught the eye and tasted success in the competitive Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden in Killarney last August.
A field of 18 lined up at the start at Epsom but Wings Of Eagles was the toast of Killarney at the finishing post, edging out the fancied Cliffs of Moher with the short odds favourite Cracksman, piloted Frankie Dettori, beaten into third.
He was the biggest outsider to win the Derby for four decades and the first winner at double-figure odds since 1998. “It was a fantastic win and we were all absolutely delighted to see it,” said Killarney Race Company Chairman Gerard Coughlan. “It just goes to prove the great quality of the maiden in Killarney and Aidan O’Brien certainly targets this course as a great test for his good horses.”
Wings Of Eagles is now likely to compete in the Irish Derby in The Curragh on July 1 where the form of both the English and French derbies could be put to the test.
Above: Gerard Coughlan, Chairman of Killarney Race Company. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage, meeting with Muckross House Research Library archivist Patricia O’Hare.
The couple are the great-great-grandchildren of Charles Herbert (1842-1891), the second son of Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour. Following their marriage in 1837, Colonel Herbert and Mary Balfour moved to Killarney and began construction on the current Muckross House, which was completed in 1843.
The family, which included children Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche, spent much of the Great Famine years in England. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
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