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INEC debut a dream come true

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By Michelle Crean

Taking to the INEC stage with their very own show was a dream come true for young actors and writers this week.

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The teens brought 'Prom Queen: The Jukebox Musical’ to life on the big stage on Monday, and did it all again on Tuesday for 400 local students.

While it may have been a daunting task to write, produce and act in their own show, the youngsters took it all in their stride and delivered outstanding performances.

The musical was written, created and starred 15-year-old Sinéad Greene, a Third Year student at Killarney Community College. Her friend Rachel Griffin (17) was co-director, executive producer and also a lead actor, and the cast included local students from Killarney and surrounds.

The aim of the show was to bring awareness to issues such as mental health, bullying, domestic abuse.

There were also references to suicide and LGBTQ+ representation but the idea was to create dialogue and get the conversation going.

"We’re still all on a high! Another 400 attended the show for schools and the feedback to date has been absolutely incredible!" Sinead's mom, Katrin Pietzonka, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Lots of praise for all cast members but especially to Sinead, Marie and Rachel Griffin, the executive producer, who made it all possible!"

She added that they are all grateful for all the support throughout the Prom Queen journey!

"Special thanks to Kieran Somers, Lily MacMonagle, Shannon and Makaela Crowley from the MACademy, Tony O’Flaherty from Killarney Community College, all the parents and everybody who believed and supported this amazing youth project!"

Lily MacMonagle from MACademy said that the "young adults have surpassed any expectation that me or anyone from The MACademy could have imagined".

"Their passion, creativity and patience for the dramatic arts is outstanding. This show is humorous, full of love, clever, funny and compassionate but more than anything it is relatable to everyone young and old sitting in the theatre. I take my hat off to the whole cast, to the writer to the director, you’ve only just begun."

Filmmaker Jessica Courtney Leen, who is also Head Drama Tutor at the West End House School of Arts, added that it's been really special following their journey.

"Killarney has something really inspiring here - this is a group of entrepreneurial young people who’ve created something they love and brought so much joy to their audiences because of it," she said.

"There’s talent in abundance here but it’s not even about that, it’s about the community they’ve created and the magic they’ve shared. Myself and all of the West End House family are so proud of our students in this group, and of every person involved. Hopefully we’ll see some of them at our Youth Theatre Club in January. Congratulations to everyone on PQ the musical.”

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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