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IT WAS a case of “Good morning, America” bright and early today as the cathaoirleach of Killarney’s Municipal District, Councillor Brendan Cronin, and Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce president Kate O’Leary raised the US flag.

The Stars and Stripes were hoisted above Killarney Town Hall to the accompaniment of a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, performed by the Killarney Golf Club Choir, Killarney Musical Society and the Killorglin ladies choral group.

The moving ceremony marked the beginning of Killarney’s 4th of July Celebrations which are unfolding throughout the day.

A-lister Tom Cruise will top the bill tonight at the third annual festival at a free outdoor screening of American classic Top Gun in the magnificent setting of Killarney House & Gardens.

Main Street Killarney has been transformed into Main Street USA with lots of exciting events and street entertainment. A charity barbecue takes place at 4pm on Scott’s Street Killarney in aid of the Kerry Cork Cancer Health Link Bus. This is a free event sponsored by The Henggeler-Moriarty family.

During the afternoon don’t be surprised if you come across The Wild West Troupe shooting up the town.

The main event of the day of course will be the big parade starting at 8pm from Killarney Outlet Centre and winding its way through College Street and Plunkett Street to finally reach Main Street where the party will really get under way with master of ceremonies DJ Niall Botty O’Callaghan in control. Of course no 4th of July Celebration would be complete without the all important fireworks display which is scheduled to commence about 10.45pm.

Killarney 4th of July Celebrations organising committee chairperson Diarmuid Leen said: “This is a rally call for all of us in Killarney to show our appreciation of our American friends and associates.”

Killarney Chamber president Kate O’Leary paid tribute to the event’s partners and sponsors Kerry County Council, Failte Ireland, IPB Insurance, O’Donoghue Ring Hotel Group, Heineken Ireland, The Killarney Park & Ross Hotels, The International Hotel, MD O’Shea's and The Henggeler-Moriarty Family together with Scott’s Hotel.
 

 
Jerry Cronin, in character, at the raising the American and Irish Flag, as a rousing chorus of The Star-Spangled Banner performed by the Killarney Golf Club Choir, with Killarney Musical Society and Killorglin ladies choral group at Killarney Town Hall.
PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN