News
Kerry GAA stars on hand to launch May Festival at Racecourse
Live horse racing returns to Ireland’s most scenic track this May for the highly anticipated Killarney Races May Festival.
The three-day event blends top-tier racing with a vibrant social scene, offering something for seasoned punters, families, and visitors alike.
The season officially opens on Saturday, May 9 (12 noon start), a date that aligns perfectly with the Munster Football Final weekend. The sporting stakes are high for a bumper weekend in Killarney and if Kerry and Cork both progress through their respective semi-finals, A Kerry vs. Cork showdown will be fixed for Sunday May 10th in Killarney, positioning the racecourses opening Saturday fixture as the perfect curtain-raiser for a great weekend of sport in Killarney. The opening card features a feast of National Hunt racing headlined by sponsors TOTE, and racing action will be complemented by lively music from Nicole Lonergan and The Gallivanters.
On Wednesday evening just gone, stars from the Kerry GAA panel (pictured) were on hand to launch the Killarney races Locals’ Family Day, scheduled for Monday, May 11th (4.30pm start). Sponsored by Killarney Credit Union and the Killarney Town Retailers Association, this evening shifts the focus toward the local community. Children’s entertainment specialists ‘Time to Party’ and ‘The MACademy’ will host a dedicated family fun area, perfect for young families to get out on a spring evening and soak up the festive atmosphere. Accompanied by an adult ticket, all kids go free. Entertainment will include, bouncing castles, clowns, an interactive disco, carnival games and much more.
Speaking about the Locals Family Evening, sponsors Karena McCarthy of Killarney Credit Union said, "We are pleased to bring the community together for an action packed locals evening. The Credit Union is committed to supporting local initiatives, and this event is a perfect way for neighbours to gather and enjoy the fantastic festival atmosphere Killarney Racecourse offers."
William Sheahan, Chairman of the Killarney Town Retailers Association, who are also sponsoring the local’s day said, "Our members are always ready to support local, and we are delighted to support the Locals’ Family Day". From boutique fashion and fragrances to traditional butchers, footwear and pharmacies, Killarney retailers have an incredible amount to offer both residents and visitors, and we were delighted to come on board as a sponsor of the evening at Killarney Racecourse.
The festival concludes on Tuesday, May 12th (4.30pm start), with the Fexco Festival Finale. The final day pairs a high-quality flat racing card with some great live entertainment, ensuring the spring festival closes on it's usual high note.
Karl McCay, General Manager of Killarney Racecourse expressed his readiness for the season ahead: "We are eager to welcome the public back to the Killarney Races. Between the calibre of the racing, the community-focused family evening, and our entertainment lineup, we have curated a program that offers something for every attendee this May Festival."
Tickets are available for just €20 via the official website: www.killarneyracecourse.ie.
Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’
Down Syndrome Kerry has issued an appeal to participants of this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the organisation as their official charity partner under the campaign slogan “Pedal with a Purpose – Cycle for Our Future.”
As one of the main beneficiaries of the annual cycling event, the voluntary organisation relies on the fundraiser to sustain and expand its essential services for children, teenagers, and adults with Down syndrome across the county.
Funds generated from the cycle directly support early childhood to adulthood resources, including educational initiatives, speech and language therapy, social and recreational programmes, life skills development, advocacy, and direct family support systems.
Down Syndrome Kerry Chairperson John O’Connor highlighted the local impact of the fundraising partnership.
“The Ring of Kerry Cycle is hugely important for Down Syndrome Kerry and has been a huge help in expanding our services,” O’Connor said. “Through the assistance of the Ring of Kerry Cycle, we have been able to provide vital speech and language therapy to our members close to home in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Dingle, and Cahersiveen. Their support also helps us provide greater employment training and opportunities for our members. If you haven’t already signed up for Down Syndrome Kerry for this year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle, do so and help us provide our members and their families with the support they need for a better life.”
The demand for these local services continues to grow across the region, making community-led fundraising critical for the group’s operations.
Denis Cronin, a parent and committee member of the organisation, spoke about the long-standing connection to the event.
“Down Syndrome Kerry have a long association with the Ring of Kerry Cycle, going back nearly 30 years,” Cronin said. “It’s always a fabulous day out, organisation is first class, food stops and volunteers are fantastic, but from a cyclist viewpoint, most importantly, all money raised goes to charity.”
Cyclists and supporters looking to back the campaign or select their charity partner can access registration details through the official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle channels.
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape
The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.
Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
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