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Headford Ambush Commemoration postponed due to COVID

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The commemoration events planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the
Headford Ambush have been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Ambush on British troops at Headford, near Glenflesk, was
carried out on March 21, 1921, by 33 members of the Kerry IRA No. 2
Brigade Flying Column. It was the largest ambush in Kerry during the
War of Independence.

"It's very unfortunate we can't go ahead with the actual centenary
commemoration," said Chairman of the Commemoration Committee, Derry Healy.

"This is something that we've been looking forward to for many years,
given its significance in Irish history, but public health must come
first and hopefully we'll do it all properly in March 2022.

“These men are gone, but they're not forgotten. Beidh lá eile againn.”

13 died in the Headford Ambush – eight British soldiers, two IRA
volunteers (Dan Allman and Jimmy Baily) and three cattle dealers.

A three-year-old girl was badly wounded in both legs when a bullet
passed through her father's leg as he sought to shelter her.

The attack, led by Dan Allman and Tom McEllistrim, targeted a
detachment of British troops due to return by train from Kenmare to
Tralee.

Allman, along with Jimmy Baily, died in the attack. McEllistrim went
on to be a Fianna Fáil TD.

The ambush ended when the Mallow-Tralee train arrived; it had
inadvertently brought British reinforcements, and the IRA withdrew
from the vicinity of the station.

The Headford Ambush was one of the largest engagements of the whole
conflict and was certainly the largest engagement between British
forces and the IRA to take place in Kerry during the War of
Independence.

Last October, the Government gave €10,000 to the local commemoration
committee in Headford to help renovate the existing monument, erected
in 1971, which had fallen into disrepair.

Extensive work has also been done to landscape the whole monument site
which is located about 300 yards from where the actual ambush took
place.

For the first time, the names of all those who fought in the Ambush
will be recorded at the site.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, all aspects of the
commemoration involving the gathering of people are postponed until
next year.

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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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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