News
Exciting developments at Killarney’s oldest music and dance school
&
By Michelle Crean
For 30 years it’s been at the heart of the community and now one of Killarney’s oldest music and dance schools has some exciting developments coming this September.
Kerry School of Music (KSM) originally opened a dance school in Áras Pádraig in 1988, adding music classes in 1989. When that closed to facilitate transfer of ownership to Killarney Town Council, the school moved to Holy Cross Mercy Primary School on New Road where they have been ever since. The dance classes later transferred to the Church of the Resurrection Parish Centre in Park Road.
Such is the demand for ballet and modern, tap and jazz classes that two teachers - Colette Maguire Jensen and Tara Dore - teach packed classes on Tuesdays after school and all day Saturdays.
Meanwhile back in Holy Cross there are many exciting developments coming this September, School of Music Director Aidan O’Carroll explained.
“Randal Devine, a recent and surprisingly young retiree from the National Symphony of Ireland who has taken up residence in Kerry, will teach violin, viola and cello in Killarney exclusively with the Kerry School of Music. A professional player in Ireland’s foremost orchestra for 30 years means that Randal will introduce a new standard to string teaching to Kerry.”
Joining Randal is Rachael Scoazec Lenihan, a talented multi-instrumentalist who among other things has a PhD from the Sorbonne in Paris and a Masters’ degree from Trinity. Rachel will teach Classical Guitar, Irish Harp, 4 and 5-String Banjo, Bouzouki and Ukulele at Holy Cross, he added.
“Killarney native Aisling O’Dwyer is also opening a practice in association with the Kerry School of Music teaching concert flute, Ebony (traditional) flute, tin whistle, clarinet and saxaphone at Holy Cross. Aisling has taught in association with the school in Tralee for many years.”
Katrina Galvin from Milltown, is a brilliant musical theatre performer who has just graduated with a first Honours BA in Dance from the University of Limerick World Music Centre. Katrina will teach a special pre-instrument course to four to seven-year-olds.
“A brilliant dancer and choreographer, she is also opening a junior and intermediate music theatre school and hopes to develop Killarney’s first ever hip hop and street dance troupe.”
Aidan, who is Choir Director at St Mary’s Cathedral since 2013, also teaches at Holy Cross.
Contact 087 4103220 or 066 7125690 for class details.
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the Killarney Arts Working Group, has officially launched the 2026 ANAM Summer Arts Programme (ASAP).
The dedicated arts and cultural space on East Avenue Road is set to host a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, film, and youth competitions designed to appeal to both local residents and tourists throughout the peak holiday season.
The summer lineup aims to provide artists with critical platforms to showcase their work while giving audiences accessible opportunities to experience live art. Councillor Martin O’Grady noted that the programme includes a multitude of performances, offering an important platform for all ages to enjoy the arts. Mary Murphy of the Killarney Arts Working Group added that utilizing the ANAM space successfully draws new audiences to the Killarney arts scene.
Featured events include “Bog Jazz,” an innovative project by musicians Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy that reworks traditional Sliabh Luachra fiddle music using electric guitar and drums. Additionally, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence Aidan Connolly will lead a two-night concert series in late July alongside Bryan O’Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, and Charlie O’Brien, exploring the unique history, songs, and folklore of the region.
The programme also features “The Anam Sessions,” a series of five free bi-weekly evening concerts directed by Tim O’Shea. These sessions will showcase emerging local talent across Irish folk, singer-songwriter, and Afro-Irish genres. For younger musicians, the popular “Battle of the Bands” competition returns in August. Organised in partnership with Music Generation Kerry, it will feature separate junior and senior categories to highlight local youth talent.
The summer performance series is fully sponsored by the Kerry Arts Service. For further queries, the public can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.
ANAM Summer Arts Event Calendar
Traditional and Folk Music (The Anam Sessions with Tim O’Shea) Dates: ; Wednesday, July 15; Wednesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sliabh Luachra Traditional Music Concert Series (Aidan Connolly and Guests) Dates: Wednesday, July 29; Thursday, July 30 Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Senior Competition) Dates: Friday, August 7; Friday, August 14; Friday, August 21; Friday, August 28 Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Junior Competition) Dates: Sunday, August 9; Sunday, August 16; Sunday, August 23; Sunday, August 30 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bog Jazz Performance (Eoin O’Sullivan & Shane Murphy) Date: Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut
Five-time British Champion Flat Jockey Oisín Murphy is scheduled to compete at his home track for the first time ever...
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the...
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut
Five-time British Champion Flat Jockey Oisín Murphy is scheduled to compete at his home track for the first time ever...
KILLARNEY ADVERTISER OPINION: A manhunt needs a description
KILARNEY ADVERTISER OPINION: A manhunt needs a description Gardaí are searching for a man in connection with the murder investigation...
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut in Killarney on Tuesday
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut Five-time British Champion Flat Jockey Oisín Murphy is scheduled to compete at...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
