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Glenflesk Comhaltas is alive with the sound of music!

On Tuesday night, there was huge excitement in air in Glenflesk as the strains of music were heard ringing out from Glenflesk GAA hall.
COVID restrictions being eased and a newly elected Comhaltas committee meant that the first of many new exciting initiatives was implemented by Glenflesk Comhaltas - the formation of new music groups!
Glenflesk CCE have created traditional music groups to cater for children from five to 18-years-old, and the excitement and buzz in Glenflesk and the surrounding areas is palpable. The new committee have created four group levels when implementing this new initiative, ensuring that youngsters of all abilities are catered for.
"Our vision was to create a social setting for these youngsters to make music together, have fun, develop the skill of group playing and ultimately become better musicians as a result," Chairperson of Glenflesk Comhaltas, Micheál Gleeson, who is himself a music and primary teacher in St Oliver's National School said.
"The committee have done enormous work in the last few weeks getting this off the ground and I have to thank them and especially acknowledge in particular the hard work of my wife Paula, Martina O’Neill Angland and Margaret Creedon. It gladdened my heart after two years of restrictions to welcome the children and teenagers last Tuesday night, and feel the bubble of excitement, watch new friendships begin to form and hear our youth make music as a group."
The branch welcome a new teacher to teach these new music classes. Cathal McHugh is a Limerick native who has himself had enormous success as a traditional musician. He is a primary school teacher, and is hugely engaged with this initiative.
“I am looking forward to mentoring these music groups immensely," Cathal said. "There is a huge musical talent in this part of the country - I am thrilled to be part of this!”
Skills
These groups will be provided with many forums to ‘show-off’ their new found group music playing skills, and have a bit of ‘craic’ along the way. ‘An ole session’ is the staple of an traditional musician’s diet and these will be implemented over the coming weeks. These sessions will be a regular occurrence and as well as making music, the children can have fun together playing in a more relaxed environment! There will also be other forums to display the music such as an end of year concert, Kerry Fleadh participation and many more!
“Don’t forget folks to watch this space and keep an eye on our Facebook page - Glenfleskcce," Micheál added.
"We have so many initiatives in the pipeline. We will be showcasing our young talent and keeping you abreast of all the plans and of course ‘sessions’. As a group of parishes, let’s get behind these musicians, encourage them to make music and enjoy themselves. Mól an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí. My namesake and fellow Cork man Micheál Martin said last week ‘it’s time to sing again’ … let me add to that, it’s time to make music again!"
These groups cater for all traditional instruments, and for children in Glenflesk and indeed in all the surrounding areas! If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Paula Gleeson at 0873879733 or drop an email to glenfleskcce@gmail.com.
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Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections
Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]

Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.
Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.
The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.
Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.
Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.
She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.
“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”
In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.
In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.
last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.
During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.
This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.
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Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity
Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday. Phillip has already […]

Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.
Phillip has already completed four half marathons at various locations around Killarney – all in aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group – or the Cancer Bus as it popularly called.
This is the second time that Phillip has run four half marathon and an official race for the charity.
Back in 2021 he finished with 5km Run Killarney event but his finishing race this time around is over eight times the distance at 42kms.
“We are delighted with Philip’s continued fundraising support but also with his awareness raising for the charity,” Breda Dyland, Service Manager Kerry Cancer Support Trust.
“We are getting busier all the time and still get no statutory funding so are dependent on fundraisers like Philip’s to keep us on the road. We have just put our new wheelchair accessible bus on the Cork route so Philip’s funding will be going towards the operation of this vehicle.”