News
Encore for cast and crew of Patrick to at civic reception this evening
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The drama Patrick returns to the INEC for one night only on October 27. PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY
STANDING ovations greeted every staging of the top-class production Patrick, which I was privileged to see at the INEC when it returned to the venue on October 27.
The mesmerising play, by local journalist and author Aidan O’Connor, visibly moved an audience that spanned several generations and elicited tears and laughter as the talented cast portrayed the life and times of Rathmore man Patrick O’Connor.
This is a production that brings a chapter of history to life an incomparable fashion and this evening the cast and crew will be back for something of an encore as a civic reception will be held for the team behind Patrick, at The Malton Hotel, at 7pm.
The musical drama tells the poignant story of the final months of the life of Patrick O’Connor from Rathmore – one of the four Kerry men to die during the six-day rebellion during Easter, 1916.
The play had also sold out six shows earlier this year and over 3,000 people came to see the production when last staged at the INEC in May.
Writer Aidan O’Connor said that the reaction to ‘Patrick’ has been phenomenal. “The script, the story and the remarkable talent of the actors and performers have moved people beyond all expectations. It’s powerful to see history come so alive,” he said.
The managing director of the Gleneagle Group and the INEC, Patrick O’Donoghue, said: “This is a fantastic production and a brilliant musical drama.”
The drama Patrick when it was staged in the INEC on October 27.
PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY
Samhain Chiarraí returns top to streets this autumn
Killarney will take centre stage for major spectacles and cultural highlights as Samhain Chiarraí returns from October 15 to November 1.
The immersive county-wide festival celebrates the ancient Celtic turning of the year through fire, folklore, music, and street art.
The festival kicks off in Killarney with the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) running from October 15 to 18. Based in the town, KIFF will host feature films, documentaries, shorts, and the Kerry premiere of The Biddys documentary.
Killarney will also host the signature An Cailleach Chiarraí celebrations from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25.
The town will host a specially commissioned street performance inspired by An Cailleach Chiarra, the ancient Goddess of Winter, curated by West Kerry street arts company MÓTU.
Award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic will bring his unique blend of folklore and performance, alongside the return of the popular Fire Rituals, Super Céilí, and a full schedule of family-friendly workshops and interactive events.
Meanwhile, after lighting up Killarney, the signature Cailleach Chiarraí street spectacles and fire rituals move to Tralee from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1.
The Samhain Chiarraí festival spans the autumn mid-term break, bookended by the Dingle Food Festival and Listowel Food Festival. It also supports local community initiatives across Kerry, including Féile Éile in Killorglin and the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland.
Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland noted that Samhain Chiarraí is a fantastic example of how authentic local culture can create compelling visitor experiences. As part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, the festival showcases Kerry’s unique heritage through storytelling, performance, and community participation.
Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks at <-block _nghost-ng-c78555923=”” class=”ng-star-inserted”>discoverkerry.com/SamhainChiarrai.
No firm timeframe for St Finan’s masterplan
There is still no guaranteed timeline for the redevelopment of the St Finan’s site in Killarney, despite ongoing work between Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
The issue was raised at a recent Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Maura Healy-Rae, who asked the council for an update on its engagement with the Department of Housing, the LDA, and the HSE regarding the future of the prominent landbank.
Responding to the query, a senior council official confirmed that while Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the LDA are jointly developing a masterplan and infrastructure delivery strategy for the site, progress remains contingent on support.
The official stated that a funding application has been submitted to progress the masterplan and that background work is currently ongoing.
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