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Kerry feels ‘The Force’ at Star Wars celebration in London

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Emily Dodd, Tourism Ireland; Caroline Boland, Dingle Peninsula Tourism; Vincent O’Keeffe, The Moorings, Portmagee; and John O’Sullivan, The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre; on the Tourism Ireland stand at the Star Wars Celebration in London. PICTURE: SAM HOLDEN

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SKELLIG MICHAEL’S appearance in the most recent instalment of Star Wars presented Tourism Ireland with a truly unique opportunity to highlight the South West to fans of the science fiction franchise around the world. And the good news for Irish tourism is that this didn't signal the end of the Star Wars journey in Ireland. Location scouts were so taken with the Wild Atlantic Way that locations from Kerry, Cork, Clare and Donegal were also selected to appear in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII.

To continue to maximise the Star Wars connection with Ireland, Tourism Ireland – together with three Kerry tourism operators – attended Star Wars Celebration 2016 in London. Described as the "ultimate fan experience", it runs over three days each year, attracting tens of thousands of dedicated Star Wars fans from around the world and providing a superb opportunity for Tourism Ireland to promote Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Emma Gorman, Tourism Ireland, said: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens broke box office records around the world last December, bringing the magnificent scenery of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of millions of people everywhere. The fact that the next episode was also shot on location along the Wild Atlantic Way earlier this year is another fantastic coup for Irish tourism – and the Star Wars Celebration event in London was a fantastic platform for us to reach a huge number of Star Wars fans, whetting their appetites to come and visit Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.”

See Tourism Ireland's Star Wars section on
http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/articles/star-wars-episode-viii/

See Tourism Ireland’s behind-the-scenes film, created during the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9f2y4jUYq8
 


 
Above: Emily Dodd, Tourism Ireland; Caroline Boland, Dingle Peninsula Tourism; Vincent O’Keeffe, The Moorings, Portmagee; and John O’Sullivan, The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, on the Tourism Ireland stand at Star Wars Celebration in London.

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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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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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