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George debuts historical novel

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By Michelle Crean

Finally getting his hands on his debut novel was a "buzz" for one novice author - who was inspired to finish after a relative's children's series was picked up by the Disney+ channel.

George Nash, who, in February, retired as manager of the Killarney Technology Innovation Centre (KTI) after over 20 years service wrote ‘Uneasy Quest’, a work of historical fiction with a lot of historical facts set at the time of the first Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. And many of the later parts of the book are set in Killarney including the shores of Lough Leane.

For George, the book had been a long time coming as he started it many years ago.

However, with the extra time on his hands and the lockdown which meant little to no travel from his home in Castlemaine gave him the incentive to get it complete.

Also inspired by his late first cousin's son's success - Eoin Colfer the Irish author of the internationally bestselling 'Artemis Fowl' children's series, which was named the public's favourite Puffin Classic of all time and brought to life by the Disney+ channel - spurred him on.

"I was working on it for a number of years and went away from it," George told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

"Last year I decided to finish it and I more or less had it complete when I retired."

STORY

It's Ireland, 1169: a foreign army has landed in County Wexford. Invited by Diarmaid MacMurrough, King of Leinster, Strongbow’s Norman invasion of Ireland has begun.

"The book is based on a family who are part of the Normans. The main character is a foot soldier and his father is a fictitious Norman leader. They're running from a land dispute in Wales. The story then concerns how that family survive and integrate with warring factions. A number of the later chapters are set in Killarney, their first home is set on the shores of Lough Leane."

George's surname Nash is a Norman name, which peeked his interest as a young child.
"Since primary school I had an interest in the Normans. As Billy's son Eoin wrote 'Artemis Fowl', the children's book series, that inspired me to finish my book. I would have used his work as major historical references."

George's 298 page book is available to buy on Amazon for £8.99 for a paperback edition or £2.99 for an ebook.

"I would love to have it for sale in local shops," he added.

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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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