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Killarney to take a walk on the wild side
Killarney will fully emerge from lockdown with a vengeance in the coming weeks when the town plays host to the long-awaited Wander Wild Festival, the first post-pandemic festival event on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland’s undisputed adventure capital is preparing to take a walk on the wild side with an innovative and exciting programme of events for outdoor enthusiasts, culture and food aficionados and those anxious to make that great escape.
The Wander Wild Festival in Killarney will run from March 25-27 inclusive and it will see the unprecedented limitations of the past two years banished to distant memory as springtime is enthusiastically embraced with pageantry, passion, drama, adventure and action-packed workshops.
Offering a great escape in Ireland’s most spectacular adventure playground, with a contemporary and extensive line-up of events, Killarney will come alive with a full-on programme and large numbers of visitors are expected to descend on the town to join in the fun.
On the opening night of the festival, at 6pm, a spectacular opening equinox parade through the streets will dramatically celebrate the death of winter and the birth of spring and the flickering flame of a new dawn will illuminate the town.
ADVENTURES
The adventures on offer throughout the weekend will include mountain hikes, kayak and boat trips on the lakes, a guided national park cycle, a photography workshop, orienteering, lake walks, rock climbing and abseiling adventures, night nature walks and a short film festival while plans for an exciting trail race are also at a very advanced stage.
A really novel and fun feature will be sunrise dips in the water at Dundag, yoga sessions at a fabulous wellness hub and great activities for children.
An exciting town centre food trail will focus on the authentic tastes of Kerry food and drink and there will be music and fun in lively venues right through the weekend.
A number of high-profile guest speakers have been lined up to share their life experiences, including gifted writer and storyteller Michael Harding who is expected to explore rituals, love, the ocean, the human spirit – and chest pain.
“The Wander Wild Festival is a really fantastic opportunity for people to mark the declining pandemic by escaping for a few days to enjoy our awe-inspiring park, mountains and our town, among friends old and new,” organising committee chairman Pat Chawke said.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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