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Killarney Races disappointed at “unfair and unjust” spectator restrictions for August Festival

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Attendance at this month's Race Festival in Killarney will remain capped at five hundred attendees which organisers have called "unfair and unjust".

Racing will take place at Killarney Racecourse from Thursday,  August 19 to Saturday 21 inclusive, and all tickets are now sold out.

The restrictions are due to the ongoing public health guidelines.

Since racing reconvened in June, over five hundred horse racing fixtures have successfully taken place in Ireland behind closed doors or with limited capacities throughout the pandemic.

In July, Killarney Races saw spectators in their stand for the first time since August 2019 and albeit in limited numbers it instilled some hope for the further easing of restrictions and larger numbers attending their August meetings. Despite lobbying by the industry and the obvious relaxation of restrictions in other sectors and sports, circumstances for the team at Killarney Races have remained unchanged, much to their disappointment.

“Whilst other sports have moved on, horse racing has endured extremely low levels of attendees e.g. All-Ireland Semi-Finals at 24,000 v’s Killarney's July Racing Festival on a 90-acre open site at at five hundred, which is extremely unjust and unfair," Ger Coughlan, Chairman of the Board of Killarney Races said. 

"Of course, we'll put on another great day of racing for those who were fortunate enough to buy their tickets before they sold out. We have a fantastic garden party feel with ample space, lots of outdoor seating and it's looking like the weather is going to play its part again too. That said it is extremely disappointing that more people cannot enjoy it also. Killarney is busy with staycationers, many of whom are fully vaccinated and would love a day out at Killarney Races, they can dine indoors and shop in their droves in town, yet they cannot watch a race here, surely it’s time for common sense to prevail."

RACE CARD

Thursday evening is an all-Flat card while National Hunt cards will feature on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Highlights each day include the prestigious Ruby Stakes on Thursday, a Grade B Handicap Hurdle on Friday and a Graded Chase Saturday. Sponsors include Boylesports, Adare Manor, The Irish Examiner and The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund.

Killarney Races will race again for the final fixture of 2021, on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, and tickets for that meeting will be available online soon. Visit killarneyraces.ie and sign up to their newsletter to ensure you're the first to know when the tickets are live and keep up to date with all the news and updates from the racecourse or follow their social media channels today.

Speaking of the likelihood of greater attendances and the easing of restrictions for that weekend, Ger Coughlan added that “Naturally that would be great".

"However, for the team here who have worked very hard to ensure strict adherence to all guidelines to keep the horse racing industry going, it’s very much a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. We are confident that the situation will be much improved for our October race-meeting.”

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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