News
Kenmare celebrates honorary Harry Potter status
By Michelle Crean
Harry Potter fans are sure to flock to Kenmare - once restrictions have eased - as yesterday (Thursday) it was named recognised as an honorary Quidditch town.
The news comes due to the release of the new book, 'Quidditch Through The Ages Illustrated Edition', written by J.K Rowling and illustrated by Emily Gravett, and is an essential companion to the Harry Potter series and guide on the wizard’s favourite sport.
Bloomsbury Publishing presented Mayor of Kerry, Patrick Connor-Scarteen, with a decorative banner featuring gold Quidditch hoops celebrating the town’s fictitious Quidditch team, Kenmare Kestrals who feature in the wizarding world’s Quidditch league.
The banner also bears the town’s Quidditch team crest, an eye-catching design with gold and green patchwork.
The Mayor of Kerry was pictured next to the banner in an outdoor, socially distanced presentation with two young Harry Potter fans at Kenmare Stone Circle. During the official presentation, the young Harry Potter fans celebrated on their Nimbus 2000 broomsticks among the pre-historic stones used in ancient rituals and celebrations.
Throughout the week, honorary Quidditch town presentations will continue safely and in line with Government guidelines across the UK and Ireland. The ceremonies are being held at prehistoric sites, stone circles, medieval castles, Roman forts and churches, celebrating the release of 'Quidditch Through The Ages' and the real-life towns represented by Quidditch teams in the Harry Potter series.
In total eleven towns and villages across the UK and Ireland, from Appleby to Holyhead, Falmouth to Wimborne, are being honoured in celebration of the new book.
“We’re really proud to recognise Kenmare as an Honorary Quidditch Town," a spokesperson from Bloomsbury Publishing said.
“Harry Potter fans can now unearth the real-life towns and villages inspiring the names of Quidditch teams and we ask anyone planning a visit to Kenmare to first check national and local travel guidance on Coronavirus to ensure their visit is made safely."
The Mayor added that Kenmare is "delighted to be recognised as an Honorary Quidditch town".
"Harry Potter’s favourite sport Quidditch brings joy to children and adults across the world, and this decorative banner, emblazoned with the town’s team colours, shows our support for our beloved Quidditch team."
News
Camera club returns after summer break
Killarney Camera Club will begin its new autumn season with an open night in The Brehon Hotel on September 28. This is the first meeting since the club broke up […]

Killarney Camera Club will begin its new autumn season with an open night in The Brehon Hotel on September 28.
This is the first meeting since the club broke up for the summer – new members are invited to attend the open meeting later this month .
“Our final competition of the last season was our Open Print competition in June, and 20 unique and enthralling prints were on display in The Brehon on the night. Well done to everyone who put in the time, effort and expense to enter the competition. Thanks also to the many members who were involved in the logistics of bringing the season’s end competition to fruition.,” said club secretary Deirdre O’Donoghue.
“Throughout the year we hold a series of zoom meetings, fortnightly, and also have many in-house presentations of guest speakers , in their respective areas of photographic expertise , as well as occasional photographic outings throughout the club’s calendar year.”
News
Kilcummin Comhaltas CCE launches trad music initiative
A new initiative from Kilcummin Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in association with Conor Moriarty sees the branch offer group music classes for those interested in traditional playing. Conor is combining with […]

A new initiative from Kilcummin Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in association with Conor Moriarty sees the branch offer group music classes for those interested in traditional playing.
Conor is combining with the branch to gather musicians form beginner to advanced to give the ultimate group music experience.
“Its a great chance for newer players to learn from Conor, who himself is a champion musician but also from the other musicians that will attend the group in what undoubtedly will also offer a social outlet to all involved,” said Derek O Leary, PRO of Kilcummin Comhaltas CCE.
Conor has enormous previous experience. He is one of Irelands leading accordion players starting his playing career at the age seven. In 2009, Conor was crowned All-Ireland Champion on Melodeon at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and followed that up by becoming senior All-Ireland accordion Champion in 2010.
He also completed his MA in Irish traditional music performance at University Limerick that same year. He has worked professionally with many organisations including Siamsa Tire and more recently Gaelic Roots the show. He is also a much sought after music teacher where he has always enjoyed passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
The group sessions start on September 27 for an initial five-week term from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in Kilcummin Rural Development Office.
For further details contact Conor on 087 9698063
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