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Gathering of Bridies and Bridgets to be a highlight of new Kerry festival

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IS YOUR name Bridget, Breda or Bridie or any variation of the name Brigid? If so, you are invited to a unique gathering in Killorglin that will be one of many highlights of the town’s newest festival.

The “Meeting of the Brigid’s” will take place from 8pm till late in Falvey’s Bar, Killorglin, on Saturday, February 4, a day that has been earmarked for a brand-new yet timeold celebration for the town.

St Brigid’s Day or Imbolg is an ancient Irish tradition that has been marked for hundreds of years in Mid Kerry. This was once part of the four ancient Celtic festivals along with Lá Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain.

Now, on Saturday, February 4, Killorglin will host a unique festival, called Biddy’s Day, celebrating the custom. “The Biddy is honoured every year in the Mid Kerry region, with Biddy groups visiting rural houses and public houses, carrying a ‘Brideog’ (effigy) with them, to ensure evil spirits are kept away from humans and animals alike for the coming year,” said local historian Thomas O’Sullivan, who is one of the organisers of the new festival.

All are welcome to the Biddy’s parade in Killorglin on February 4, which will take place from the Fishery to Library Place at 7pm. “Various local Biddy groups will be wearing their traditional costumes and join us on our way up to Library Place,” said Thomas.

This is just one aspect of a full programme of events that will unfold on February 4, including Biddy’s hat and St Brigid’s Cross making workshop in Boyle’s old Hardware store (11am to 12pm), followed by set dancing and storytelling as well as bodhrán lessons throughout the day.

Finnegan’s Wake is the title of a drama event will take place in the Fishery pub at 5pm.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in the history of the tradition, on Friday evening, February 3, a talk will take place from 8pm to 9pm in the small theatre at the CYMS building, called The Celebration of Brigid: Celtic Goddess and Saint.
 


 
The Kilgobnet Biddies to arrive at Davey and Jeremy O'Sullivan's house in Cahernahone, Beaufort.
PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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