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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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Carols by Candlelight

    St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas […]

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St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas 2023, December17, at 7.00pm. Admission is free.

Ten Choirs from Killarney parish will join together and sing some of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols.
The carol service is directed by accomplished Musician and Choral Director, Paula Gleeson. Originally from Cork, her family have been involved in all aspects of choral and church music for 50 years.

“This is the best experience as director, working with Fr. Kieran O’Brien, and St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, I get to work with so many talented people in Killarney. The commitment of Teachers, Principals, and the hundreds of students from the Primary and Secondary Schools is inspiring. The generosity of our sponsors, who were so willing to contribute has helped to make this night a reality. We are all so truly grateful,” she said.

Choirs include:
St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Choir, organist Anita Lakner
Holy Cross Mercy School Choir
St. Oliver’s Primary School Choir
St. Brigid’s Secondary School Choir
St. Brendan’s Secondary School Choir
Killarney Harmonisers
Killarney Community College School Choir
Lissivigeen National School Choir
Gaelscoil Faithleann School Choir
Presentation Monastery School Choir

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The same but different – A tribute to three great Irish musicians

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Driving home from work last Friday, tributes for Shane McGowan were pouring out across the radio stations and while listening in, I got a strong sense of déjà vu.

It was only a few months earlier that we got the sad news that the talented Aslan front man Christy Dingham had passed away, and a short few weeks after that – Sinéad O’Connor.  The loss of three iconic Irish musicians that left music fans across the country reeling.

When I think about each artist individually, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Yet, for days after the passing of the Pogues frontman, I found myself wondering why I was so drawn to all three.

And then, over the weekend I stumbled across a completely unrelated article which led with a headline:

“In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and disingenuity, “authentic” has somehow emerged as Merriam-Webster’s word for 2023.”

And there was my answer. The one characteristic that embodied all three of these great Irish musicians.

It was my mother that first introduced me to Aslan’s music. She grew up during their peak and loved all sorts of rock music. I regularly watch their Vicar Street performances back on YouTube and still get mesmerised by Christy’s intense stage presence. Using elaborate hand gestures to evoke a greater meaning behind the words, he always looked like he was away in his own world. Off stage, and particularly later in his career, I admired him for his honesty when talking about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He was talking openly about these issues long before it was the norm.

Sinéad O’Connor was another original soul who, because of her talent, was catapulted into a music industry consumed by artificiality; she was almost too pure for it all. I always admired her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Her authenticity was evident in every aspect of her artistry. The way she unapologetically embraced her shaved head and boy-ish style, she challenged conventional opinions around beauty. Her music reflected her personal struggles and she never shied away from addressing issues of social injustice, religion, and gender equality. Her stances often drew criticism and controversy, but she always remained true to herself.

Shane MacGowan will always be remembered for his unfiltered nature, and while the lyrics of many songs were dark and gritty, there was also an element of empathy and compassion in what he wrote. Like Christy, he too struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his career. While his demons sometimes spilled over into the public eye, his honesty and vulnerability just endeared him even more to us Irish.

So isn’t it apt in a year we lost three great musicians, the word of 2023 happens to be the one undeniable trait that they all shared. Thank you Christy, Sinead and Shane for showing us that authenticity is not just about being different to everyone else; but also about possessing the courage to challenge the established, to question the norms, and to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

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