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Hero’s welcome planned for Special Olympic gold and silver medalist

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Kerry’s Gary O’Sullivan (30) will return to not one but two homecomings in both Killarney and Castleisland, after winning two medals at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi this week.

O’Sullivan, who is a member of Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club,took gold in the shot put competition on St Patrick’s Day and backed this up on Monday with silver in the 400m racewalk. And his proud mother Mag and grandmother Mary were in Abu Dhabi to support him over the last week.

Tonight (Friday), Gary will receive a garda escort from Killarney train station to the Dromhall Hotel where he will be met by family and friends at 10.15pm to celebrate his success. Mike Milner will play the bagpipes and MC for the evening will be Killarney man and Radio Kerry presenter Brendan Fuller.

Then tomorrow night (Saturday), a homecoming will be held in his native Castleisland from the Lidl car park through the town.

The squad will arrive into Dublin at 2.30pm today with an incredible medal haul of 86 medals. Having secured 30 gold, 29 silver and 27 bronze medals across a variety of sports, Team Ireland athletes have had huge success in what has been a remarkable week of sport.

“We wanted to do something to welcome Gary home,” Tom Tobin, Vice Chair of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It’s very important to give him a welcome home. The club are very proud of his achievements.”

 

 

 

 

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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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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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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.

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