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Killarney restaurant says thank you to frontline staff

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By Sean Moriarty

A popular Killarney eatery has thanked frontline staff for their efforts by filling the front window of the restaurant with messages and artwork made by local school children.

The Caragh Restaurant on New Street, which is operated by the O’Sullivan family since 1968, has covered its front window with paintings from children from Firies National School.

David O’Sullivan, who is the son the restaurant’s founder Gerry, was explaining to his children Josh (8) and Lauren (4), why some people were asked to stay at home and others had to go to work during the current crisis.

The children decided to paint pictures of frontline staff like Gardai and nurses as a thank you. Their neighbour's children Holly and Hazel added two more paintings when David decided to contact Firies National School, where his children attend.

Josh’s teacher, Cormac McCarthy, spread the word amongst all of the school’s pupils and when the artwork was complete David arranged for the window of his well-known restaurant to be decorated.

As well as typical frontline staff, like doctors and nurses, some children painted pictures of postmen, binmen and even a doctor’s receptionist.

“You don’t have to be Superman to be a hero,” David told the Killarney Advertiser. “It was a great way to tell the children that without the likes of a binmen the whole place would go to mess. This is our way of saying thank you to all of them. If they are walking down the street, they will see the messages and they will know they are appreciated."

The Caragh Restaurant is steeped in Killarney history. It was first opened in 1968 by David’s father Gerry, a brother of Tralee restauranteur Der.

It was first known as the Old Kentucky Grill and locals still refer to the New St premises fondly as the ‘Kentucky’.

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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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