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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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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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