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Killarney family mark difficult year with amazing generosity

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GENEROSITY: Paula, Aoife and Siobhan McSweeney presented €7,000 to Kerry Hospice Foundation staff Maura Sullivan and Mary Shanahan. Photo: Brendan Crean

By Sean Moriarty

One Killarney family gave a Christmas present that won’t be forgotten to the Kerry Hospice Foundation - a cheque for €7,000!

The McSweeney family, Siobhan and her daughters Paula Horan and Aoife Cowley, raised the staggering
amount for the foundation in memory of their husband and father Donal McSweeney.

The funds will go to the Kerry Hospice Foundation to be used by the Palliative Care Unit at the University Hospital Kerry.

Donal, who was affectionately known as 'Dodo', passed away just over a month ago after a long battle with oesophageal cancer.

Late of Gneeveguilla and Kilcummin he was well-known in country music circles in the region.

“He was the best father and husband we could ever ask for," Paula said. "We always felt like his number one. We will always have very fond memories of him especially music sessions and ‘sing songs’. He played with country music for most of his life. Music was his passion and he always brought families together with his guitar. ‘Dodo’ was at home during most of his illness, however, the last couple of weeks we were unable to manage his symptoms at home."

However, it was made a little easier with the fantastic services he received from Dr Margaret Clifford and the palliative team in Killarney and Tralee, she added.

“Dad always said he is happy he got ill rather than us. This was an example of his selfless personality. It was a hard journey to go through with dad. His room in Tralee was like a “home from home” and we are so grateful we were with him during his final peaceful moments. Dad always said about the nurses that visited him and the staff in the palliative care team that they were “tops”. I got to play the piano for him one last time at the centre. Dad was able to open and close windows with the touch of a button from his bed, adjust the temperature of the room and listen to music. It was so nice to be able to visit dad and know he was receiving the very best of care. He was always treated with respect and dignity. He had his first jacuzzi there and really enjoyed it. We are so lucky to have such fantastic people working here and a fantastic facility in Kerry,” added Paula.

It was a very difficult year for the McSweeney family, Dodo’s sister Joan McCullough passed away in Boston after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Siobhan’s brother Seamus O’Connor, the well-known owner of Kitty O’Se’s restaurant in Killarney also passed away in the late spring.

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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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