News
His Holiness enjoys film made by Killarney man

By Michelle Crean
A local man, who was Assistant Director on a new film, was delighted to see it premiered at the Vatican in Rome after it was presented to Pope Francis.
Ciaran McCarthy from Killarney worked on the EWTN Film Docudrama ‘Speak of the Devil' a Viking re-enactment of the biblical Prodigal Son story focusing on the age-old battle between good and evil, and features the services of around 50 actors, crew and support staff in a film shoot lasting several weeks.
It was filmed in Ireland and the United States, and was screened in the Pope’s private cinema in the Vatican, and presented to his Holiness Pope Francis.
The film offers a unique take on the parable of the prodigal son, and explores how people can use prayer and belief to help deal with the challenges of everyday life. The plot is recast in a medieval setting where the father patiently allows his son to make his own choices, but also awaits him with open arms and unconditional love when he comes back home.
This Irish docudrama presents the celebrated parable in a whole new light because the cinematic retelling, interwoven with insightful interviews, teaches the importance of being “battle-ready” in the spiritual struggles we all face each day.
“It was a real buzz working on this Viking theme production re-enacting the parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s just amazing that – after all our hard work – it has been screened in in the Vatican’s private Filmoteca Cinema," Ciaran said.
The production re-enactments were filmed on location at the former Ulster History Park at Omagh, County Tyrone. It features 25 crew and 25 cast all recruited in Ireland. Filming took place in May 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic all cast and crew had to be tested for COVID every day which added much pressure to the filming as one positive result could have meant complete shutdown.
“That presented considerable challenges and tested our own resilience and strength of spirit during the making of the film," Producer Aidan Gallagher explained.
EWTN Ireland’s previous two productions directed by Campbell Miller were aired on SKY, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime and worldwide on the global EWTN network.
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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