News
Half a century on the hoof at the track
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A wonderful tradition that dates back half a century will be maintained at Killarney Races this week when a third generation of one local family will provide the all-important farrier service at the track.
Timmy McGillycuddy from Ballydribeen, Killarney, will follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps when he joins his dad, Pa, in the farrier forge at the racecourse for the five-day July festival.
The link with the track goes all the way back to 1969 when Patrick McGillycuddy senior – who trained at Murphy’s Forge in Barraduff – was engaged by the Race Company to put his skills as a blacksmith to good use.
He passed on his know-how and knowledge to his son, Pa, who is a legendary personality in the industry and, in turn, Timmy took up the trade to ensure the great tradition and top class service continues with father and son working side by side.
“Our 50-year association with the local racecourse is a great milestone and it’s certainly a landmark worth celebrating,” said Timmy.
While some of the raw materials used might have changed significantly over the past five decades, the essential tools of the trade remain constant and the skills of half a century ago are identical to those used today.
“There might be better nails and shoes and better quality aluminium available now but the principles of the trade remain the same,” said Timmy.
He explained that a farrier’s goal is still to make a horse’s gait as efficient as possible to ensure comfort, increased athletic ability, greater balance and smoother movement.
The McGillycuddy family operates a busy forge at Ballydribeen where pride of place goes to an anvil dating all the way back to 1800 and it has stood the test of time.
It was sourced in the historic Churchtown Estate in Beaufort – where Beaufort Golf Course now stands. The spectacular Georgian house was built in 1740 by Sir Rowland Blennerhassett and the estate was bought in 1860 by James Magill who turned it into one of the largest dairy farms in the south west.
News
World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit
Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.
The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.
The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.
The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.
Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.
He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
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“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.
“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”
This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales
News
National Park Autumn talks series 2023
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.
Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.
The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.
The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.
The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.
The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.
The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.
All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.
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