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Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí to celebrate mid-Kerry’s ancient heritage

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Aerial drone pictures capture Kerry's oldest place of burial

A unique cultural celebration of the Summer Solstice at the iconic 6,000 year-old Killaclohane Portal Tomb near Milltown promises to be a special highlight of this year’s Kerry Fleadh Cheoil which takes place in the mid-Kerry town this week. The organisers are holding an open-air celebration at the portal tomb on 21st June, the longest day of the year, against the majestic backdrop of Dingle Bay and the Sliabh Mish Mountains. This occasion is the centre-piece of the five-day, family-friendly festival with a fantastic program of entertainment. New research by County Archaeologist Michael Connolly has revealed the ancient burial place to be the oldest known man made structure in Kerry and perhaps in Ireland. "Having a monument of such historical and cultural significance in the locality has inspired our theme for the 2018 Fleadh, which is 'Reconnecting with the Past', drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted traditions we share. This idea is at the heart of the Comhaltas organisation", explained event Chairman Owen O'Shea

With a range of music from across the centuries, dramatic percussion, poetry, song, a Solstice bonfire and a druidic ceremony, the event at Killaclohane invokes the spiritual connections with the Neolithic Age and draws on the theme of 'Reconnecting with the Past.’ Featuring some of Kerry’s best musicians and performers, the event at the portal tomb will seek to connect with the cultural heritage of the area over the millennia.

The event will open with a recitation and harp music from father and daughter, Chris and Aoibhe Horan and will feature a blessing ceremony with the Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin as well as the lighting of a Solstice Bonfire with percussive rhythms from Drum Dance Ireland. Uileann piper Barry Lynch and harpist Reidun Schlesinger will perform some of the ancient music of Ireland and a group of local musicians will play the tunes they listened and danced to in mid-Kerry a century ago. Sliabh Luachra poet, Eileen Sheehan will recite some of her work and singer, Joan Greene will celebrate the different international Solstice traditions from around the world.

‘The tomb is set against one of the most spectacular backdrops in Kerry – Caherconree Promontory Fort, the mouth of the River Maine and the Dingle Peninsula. It has to be seen to be believed. The event will be suitable for all ages and we will keep everyone well fed with a pig on a spit. We’ll finish with a grand finale involving all the performers as the sun sets over the historic site,’ added Owen.

The event begins at 8pm on 21st June and there is a €10 admission fee for over-16s. As there is no parking on site, those attending will be transported from the Mid-Kerry Mart car park to the site on a free shuttle bus. Attendees are advised to arrive and park up early from 7pm. Toilet facilities and limited seating will be available and everyone should be dressed appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Enquiries to fleadh2018@hotmail.com

Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí, hosted by Milltown-Listry Comhaltas Branch takes place in Milltown from 20th to 24th June and will feature free open-air performances from Stockton’s Wing, All-Ireland champions, the Shandrum Céilí Band, a Sunday céilí with Uí Bhriain, family fun and frolics, Spin City Funfair, competitions, sessions, a street entertainment competition and lots more. Follow @MilltownCCE and @Kerrycomhaltas for more information.

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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