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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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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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