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Headford man’s 1948 Jaguar the star of car run

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3 years ago

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SHOW: Tom Leslie of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club accepting his spot prize from Carol Robins on Sunday. Photo: Sean Moriarty

A staggering 157 classic and vintage cars and motorcycles took part in the 12th annual Car and Honda 50 Run, organised by Ballymac Vintage Club on Sunday.

CONVERTIBLE: Tony and Kay Darmody from Listry with their 1960 Hillman Minx. Photo: Sean Moriarty

OLDEST:Gerard Healy from Knockysheehan Headford with his 1948 Jaguar. Photo: Sean Moriarty

The O’Riada’s Bar and Restaurant-based event raised money for the nearby Glanageenty Walkways and followed a new for 2022 route via Ballymac, Raemore, Knocknagoshel, Brosna, and Mount Eagle before the finish line in the Mart Yard in Castleisland.

Gerard Healy from Knockysheehan, Headford, Killarney had the oldest cars on the run.

He has owned his 1948 Jaguar Mark 4 saloon for the last seven years.

“This car was manufactured in Coventry after World War Two,” he said. “And it was then shipped to Ireland in kit form to avoid high import duty on complete cars. It was reassembled in Dublin and painted emerald green. This is a Sligo car, the first owner was a Miss Teresa Ferry, it was very unusual for a lady to own a car in those days."

The car was then sold to a vicar and then a soldier before, somehow, ending up in The Netherlands. There it underwent a full restoration in 1999.

Gerard bought the car from a restorer called Roberto Verboon.

“I was proud to bring the car back to Ireland,” he added.

Thanks to generous support from local businesses and sponsors including O’Riada’s and BG Motors over €500 worth of spot prizes were handed out on the day.

Listry’s Tony and Kay Darmody were prize winners after judges were impressed with their Hillman Minx Convertible.

George Carey from Tralee won the motorcycle award with his finely turned out 1986 Honda 90.

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Biddy’s Day festival returns to Mid-Kerry

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4 hours ago

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23 January 2026

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The Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival began yesterday and is running until February 2.

The festival is taking place across Killorglin, Cromane and the wider Mid-Kerry region, bringing together craft, music, language, ritual and community in the lead-up to St Brigid’s Day.

At the heart of the festival is the ancient Biddy tradition, rooted in Imbolc and the honouring of St Brigid, a time associated with light, renewal, creativity and protection.

Over twelve days, the festival offers a wide mix of family-friendly, traditional and contemporary events, culminating in its most anticipated moment of the year: The Biddy’s Parade.

The parade, taking place on Saturday January 31,is the centrepiece and defining event of the festival.

On parade night, Killorglin town is transformed as Biddy groups from across Mid-Kerry gather in straw hats and traditional costume, carrying Brídeógs through the streets in a powerful procession of fire, music, movement and celebration.

The parade is free, open to all to join in or support, and remains one of the most atmospheric and visually striking expressions of living Irish folklore in the country.

Fire performers, live music and street celebrations follow, before the night continues into the town’s venues.

Founded in 2017, the Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival has been instrumental in reviving a tradition that had been in serious decline.

From just two active Biddy groups less than a decade ago, the region now supports a growing network of groups, with children, families and new communities actively involved.

The 2026 festival continues this work, blending heritage with creativity and ensuring the tradition remains relevant, inclusive and alive.

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Spa and Glenflesk GAA clubs in Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals

Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals. Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, […]

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5 hours ago

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23 January 2026

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Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals.

Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, will carry the hopes of the county as they compete for national titles.
Representing Spa GAA is the Rince Seit (Set Dancing) team, who secured their place in the final after being crowned Munster champions in November.
Joining them in the finals are the Glenflesk GAA Ballad Group.

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