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First international priests graduate from the Friary

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INTERNATIONAL: Franciscan Novices Ian Cunningham, Theodore Splinter, Benedetto Ressa and Adrian Macor who made their First Profession at the Franciscan Friary Killarney pictured with Franciscan colleagues on Thursday. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney’s Franciscan Friary was celebrating yesterday (Thursday) as five new Friars - four of them from overseas - completed the first portion of their training with the Order.

Two-years-ago the Friary was declared an International Novitiate, and four of this year’s graduates are international students marking the first time the Killarney Friary celebrated overseas success.

Yesterday, two priests from Canada, one from the Netherlands, one from Sweden and one from Ennis, County Clare completed the first year of their ordination process.

During this year, the novice lives as a member of the fraternity at the International Franciscan Novitiate in the Friary in Killarney.

“This is the first step in their training for the order,” Fr Caoimhin O’Laoide told the Killarney Advertiser. “Last year we had five men, all from Ireland, who had what is called their first profession. This year it is nice and sad at the same time. All of these countries would have had their own Novitiate in the past, but with the falling numbers it was decided to consolidate this into one country and Killarney was chosen.”

The five priests who celebrated their first profession with a special Mass at the Friary were, Fr Theo van Adrichem, Provincial of the Friars in Holland, who received the vows of Br Benedetto Ressa. Fr Pierre Charland, Provincial of the Friars in Canada received the vows of Brothers Adrian Macor and Theodore Splinter.
Fr Aidan McGrath, Provincial of the Irish Franciscans, received the vows of Brother Ian Cunningham and Brother Joel Karlsson will make his Profession in Sweden on August 24.

“The newly professed will return to their homelands to continue their formation and studies.”

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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