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Killarney Races celebrates 200 years

Published

4 years ago

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Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea with fans Jack and Mike Sheahan Farranfore pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Killarney Races celebrated 200 years of racing yesterday during the opening day of AugustFest, an exciting three-day summer horse-racing festival that will run until tomorrow (Saturday) inclusive.

Oonagh Groves Firies Donal Groves Firies and Naomi Reidy Firies County kerry pictured at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea with fellow players and Ger Coughlan Killarney Race Company Chairman pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea and Ger Coughlan Killarney Race Committee pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Killarney punters Paudie Sheahan and Ger Healy pictured at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Rachel Foley Pam Treacy and Betty O'Connor from Killarney pictured at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea with committee members Aine O'Donoghue Con O'Mahony and Ger Coughlan and the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

'Charterhouse' S McCullough wins the Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea with Elliott Keane from Tralee and the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Football captain Sean O'Shea with Aoife Aine and Sean Scanlon from Killarney pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Michael Cahill from Rathmore with his grandchildren Luke McMahon and Rory Cahill pictured at the Killarney Races August Festival opening day on Thursday evening. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Senior Football Captain Sean O’Shea, with a host of fellow teammates and back-room staff, escorted Sam Maguire to the racecourse arriving by jaunting cart to take part in the bi-centenary celebrations.

Racegoers of all ages were thrilled to get up close with the Sam Maguire Cup and our fantastic Kerry football legends.

AugustFest at Killarney Races offers patrons great racing, history, socialising, entertainment and so much more at Ireland’s most scenic racecourse. A special bi-centenary admission package was available on the opening day offering patrons admission, a racecard and a €5 free bet all for €20 which went down a treat with punters. With many bringing their jerseys and cameras along to make the most of the double celebrations at the Kerry track.

The first race at Killarney Racecourse was recorded in 1822. In the early days, the meetings were supported by Lord Clanmorris and the Earl of Kenmare, the feature race being the Kenmare Stakes from 1826 to 1830. The current racing venue located at Ross Road held its first race meeting on 20 July 1936 and Ontario was the first ever winner at the track, winning the 1½ mile handicap hurdle, in the hands of jockey Willie O’ Grady.

During the August racing festival, a special commemorative marquee featuring a wonderful collection of memorabilia and photographs from the last 200 years is open to all in attendance for the duration of the festival.

“We celebrated a major milestone here at Killarney Races, two hundred years of racing in Killarney which is amazing," Killarney Racecourse Chairman, Gerard Coughlan said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all locals and visitors to Killarney to come along and be part of the 200 year celebrations during AugustFest!

With two more fantastic days of racing in store and lots of ticket levels and packages including food and beverage options to choose from, whether it is close to the action general admission tickets or silver service fine dining, there is something for everyone at Killarney Races. Live music, fashion, and fun for all the family complement the best of summer racing at the track this August.

Patrons are advised to book online and come along early to enjoy the stunning views, facilities, delicious food, live music on the lawn and soak up the boutique festival atmosphere for which Killarney Races is famous.

Adult tickets and packages are available from €20 and children under 14 go free ensuring a great day out for all the family. For those who love a deal, the punter’s pack is a great value-added option and if you want to live it up check out the Maurice O’Donoghue Suite and Panoramic Restaurant options. For all ticket details and festival programme information visit killarneyraces.com.

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Tributes paid following the passing of pioneering Killarney journalist John O’Mahony

Published

16 hours ago

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10 June 2026

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Tributes paid following the passing of pioneering Killarney journalist John O’Mahony

Killarney woke on Wednesday morning to the sad news of the passing of John O’Mahony, the highly respected veteran journalist and founder of KillarneyToday.com, following an illness.

John was a central figure in Kerry media for more than four decades. He first stepped into a newsroom in 1983 as a junior reporter with the Now and Then newspaper, a publication that later rebranded as The Kingdom.

His talent and nose for a story saw him rise through the ranks to become editor and eventually managing editor, overseeing massive circulation growth and steering the paper to multiple national industry awards.

In 2011, John and his wife, Geraldine, established O’Mahony Media, combining their strengths to run a highly successful news, public relations, and corporate training agency. Shortly after, with Geraldine managing the administration side of the business, they launched KillarneyToday.com.

Beyond his digital news platform, John was deeply embedded in the civic life of his hometown. He served as the primary press officer for major local events run by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, working behind the scenes to promote the Christmas in Killarney festivals and the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Throughout his long career, his byline appeared in nearly every national publication in Ireland. He acted as the eyes and ears of the county for titles such as The Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Irish Examiner, and the Sunday World. He was also a highly regarded political commentator on national airwaves, appearing frequently as an analyst on RTÉ Radio’s Vincent Browne Show and the Pat Kenny Show.

While John was a trusted hand during high-stakes election campaigns and referenda, and interviewed international stars, political leaders, and public figures, his true passion lay in finding unique, light-hearted human-interest pieces. He took great pride in tracking down eccentric stories that put Kerry on the map, such as reporting on “Big Bertha,” Ireland’s oldest cow, discovering a cigarette-loving chicken named Henrietta in Killorglin, and finding a newlywed couple who brought their giant pet pot-bellied pig, Cilla, on their Killarney honeymoon, a story that famously made the front page of every major daily newspaper in Ireland and Britain on the same morning.

Leading the local tributes, Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke of the profound loss to the district.

“John was a Killarney man to the core and a journalist of the highest calibre,” Mayor Grady said. “Through Killarney Today, he provided an invaluable service to the people of Killarney and County Kerry, keeping communities informed, connected and engaged with everything that mattered in our town and county.”

“Whether covering sport, politics, community events, breaking news or local developments, John had an unrivalled passion for Killarney and its people. He was always current, always engaged, and always committed to telling the stories that reflected the life and spirit of our community.”

The Mayor added that John’s professionalism and deep love for his hometown ensured that local voices always had a platform.

“Above all else, John was a true gentleman. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, and he earned the admiration and friendship of so many throughout Kerry and beyond. His passing leaves a great void in our community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and by the many people who relied on his reporting each day. On behalf of the people of Killarney, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Geraldine, his daughter Molly, his extended family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. May John O’Mahony rest in peace. His contribution to Killarney will not be forgotten.”

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Musical Society announces ‘Sister Act’ as 2027 production

Published

2 days ago

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9 June 2026

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Killarney Musical Society has announced that its 2027 musical production will be the comedy Sister Act.

The show will run at the Gleneagle Arena from Tuesday, March 2nd to Thursday, March 4th, 2027.

Based on the film, the musical tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer placed in protective custody in a convent after witnessing a crime. While there, she helps transform the parish choir.


Society Chairperson Derek O’Leary expressed excitement about the selection. “It is a show that combines humour, heart, spectacular music and an inspiring story, making it a perfect fit for Killarney Musical Society and our audiences,”

O’Leary said. He also confirmed that award-winning director Oliver Hurley and musical director Jimmy Brockie will return for the production.


The society, which draws performers, musicians, and backstage volunteers from across Kerry and neighbouring counties, will release details regarding auditions and production updates in the coming months.

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