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Historian disputes place name

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By Sean Moriarty

A well-known local historian has questioned a recent article which named the tunnel on the Moll’s Gap road as the Newfoundland Bay Tunnel.

Published by the Killarney Advertiser last week, the article referred to a Kerry County Council press release which named the tunnel as Newfoundland Bay Tunnel.

However, local historian Damien Switzer disputes the name.

He accepts that the bay in Upper Lake, just below where the tunnel sits on the Moll’s Gap Road, is called Newfoundland Bay.

“Any local fisherman will tell you that but the tunnel has no official OSI name nor is it named on any map going back to when the tunnel was built and I have them all, I collect them,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “Admittedly you got your information from an official source but this is rewriting history and that cannot happen on my watch.”

The disputed statement was issued to advertise a proposed road closure for road works, works that have now be postponed following the closure of the Kilgarvan to Loo Bridge road following a recent landslide during Storm Ciara.

‘The purpose of the road closure is to allow repair works to be completed on a section of partially collapsed retaining wall on the N71 in the townland of Gortroe which is located approximately 100m south of Newfoundland Bay Tunnel. The road is narrow at this location so a road closure will be required to complete the works safely’, the statement read.

Mr Switzer added that the Council official is most definitely one hundred percent wrong.

“It's not Gortroe, it's Gortderraree. Last time I checked, Gortroe was in Fossa and yes the bay on the Upper Lake is called Newfoundland. The famous engineer Alex Nimmo is responsible for its creation, he also built the suspension bridge in Kenmare.”

The historian went into fascinating detail to reveal, what he believes, is the correct name for the tunnel.

“The tunnel was on the Prince of Wales route, blasted from Cromaglaun Mountain, which the old Irish used call it. They referred to the tunnel as 'through Cromaglaun’,” he said.

“Anyway, local lore aside, the official provable name that has featured in numerous books for about 200 years is ‘The Heading’. From Westminster to Derrynane it was known as 'The Heading', and it also gained notoriety and was made famous by a local robber called Martin Mahony who used to hide there.”

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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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