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Killarney Racing this Tuesday without spectators

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NO FANS: Scenes like this will not happen this year as the first day of Killarney Races is set to go ahead behind closed doors. Photo: Konrad Paprocki.

By Sean Moriarty

The first day of Killarney’s traditional summer racing festival will take as a standalone event on Tuesday without the presence of spectators.

The summer festival, which usually runs from Monday to Friday over the first week of July, is being staggered over three days and two different weeks.

The opening meeting is set for Tuesday while next Monday (July 13) and Wednesday (July 15) will host the second and third day of action.

The meeting will take place behind closed doors as Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) must comply with current crowd gathering rules. The dates are spread out in case there is a case of COVID-19 recorded at the venue. If such a thing were to happen it would take a full day to deep clean the venue.

“It is one of the best cards we ever had for a July meeting but, unfortunately without spectators,” Killarney Racecourse Manager Phillip O’Brien told the Killarney Advertiser.

It is a bitter blow for O’Brien and his tram of about 25 outdoor staff. The course must be prepared as usual, while access to the track is only granted to jockeys, trainers, HRI staff and limited to others like a television crew from Racing TV. Even photographers are limited and those working in horse racing media are expected to syndicate their images to those who cannot get access.

“Racing is all about the horse too,” added O’Brien. “The course and the jumps have to be in perfect condition. It is such a pity really, we have a lot of improvements done, including a new parade ring and it would be nice to show it off.”

O’Brien said he would have to wait for further Government and HRI directives before speculating if racing fans would be allowed attend the August meeting.

Local fans who want to keep in touch with the day’s events can tune into Radio Kerry who will broadcast each of the day’s races live.

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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