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.

It has been a busy period at Spa GAA as the club continues to develop its ground facilities while also marking a major milestone in its sporting history.

The club recently completed further ground improvements with the installation of new seating on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

Located over the terrace area directly on the halfway line, the new seating offers an upgraded viewing area for spectators.

Club volunteer John Hannon of JH Fitout Ltd, who also coaches the Under 10 boys team, assisted with the installation work.

Alongside the developments on the pitch, over 100 people gathered for the club’s annual mass, which was celebrated by Club President Fr Tim O’Sullivan and Club Vice President Fr Michael O’Donoghue.

Following the service, Spa GAA held a special presentation to honour the 60th anniversary of the 1966 O’Donoghue Cup winning team.

All surviving members of the historic side attended the gathering, alongside family representatives of deceased players and team mentors.

The evening provided a chance for the club community to come together, reflect on past successes, and share memories of one of the most famous teams in Spa GAA history.