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Killarney Valley Athletics Club shines in record-breaking 2024 season

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Killarney Valley Athletics Club has set a new benchmark for excellence in 2024, achieving unprecedented success in national and regional competitions.

The club's athletes have garnered a remarkable 55 national medals and 128 Munster medals, setting a new record for the club. This extraordinary haul is a testament to the dedication, skill, and hard work of the athletes and coaches alike.

One of the standout features of this year has been the performance of the club's relay teams. Killarney Valley Athletics Club has had seven relay teams compete at the national level, showcasing their strength in teamwork and coordination.
This achievement highlights the club's depth of talent and its ability to compete at the highest levels of Irish athletics.

The club's men’s senior 4x 400 relay team placed second in the national senior indoor championships and the U20 mixed 4 x 400 team were crowned national champions whilst setting a national championships record.

The club is also celebrating the crowning of ten national champions in 2024.

These champions have excelled across a range of disciplines, underlining the club's versatility and comprehensive training programs.

The disciplines in which the club has achieved national medals are diverse, including all jumps—long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault—as well as all sprints from 60 meters to 400 meters, and middle-distance events up to 1500 meters.

This breadth of success speaks to the club's commitment to nurturing talent across all track and field events.

Killarney Valley Athletics Club's athletes have consistently represented Ireland on the international stage since 2017. This year, Dominik Wasila has continued this proud tradition by being selected for Irish International representation in the long jump.

Wasila's achievement underscores the club's role in developing athletes who can compete and excel at the highest levels of international athletics.

In addition to their competitive success, the club's athletes have been recognized for their academic and athletic potential.

Several athletes have secured full athletics scholarships, furthering their education and training at prestigious institutions. Most recently, Oisin Lynch has taken up a scholarship at Adams State University in Colorado, joining the ranks of Killarney Valley athletes who have gone on to combine higher education with elite athletic training.

Looking to the future, Killarney Valley Athletics Club has set ambitious goals to enhance its facilities and support its growing membership.

The club is planning to build a dedicated pole vault training area, providing athletes with the specialized infrastructure needed to excel in this challenging discipline.

This new facility will be a significant asset, allowing for more focused and effective training sessions.

Additionally, the club is launching a fundraising campaign to maintain and repair its well-used athletics track as well as finance the building of the Pole Vault area.

The track is experiencing significant wear and tear due to heavy usage, and continuous maintenance is essential to ensure it remains in top condition for training and competition.

The club is seeking community support to build up a fund dedicated to these repairs and the Pole Vault construction, ensuring that athletes have access to high-quality training surfaces for years to come.

“The achievements of Killarney Valley Athletics Club in 2024 are a source of immense pride for the club and the local community,” said coach Jer Griffin.

“The club's record-breaking year is a reflection of its robust coaching programs, the dedication of its athletes, and the unwavering support from the local community.

“As Killarney Valley Athletics Club continues to build on this success, it remains a beacon of excellence in Irish athletics, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for greatness while investing in the infrastructure necessary to sustain its legacy.”

The link to the GoFundme to where contributions can be made is https://www.gofundme.com/fundraise-to-build-our-polevault-runway

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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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New seating unveiled as Spa GAA celebrates

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It has been a busy period at Spa GAA as the club continues to develop its ground facilities while also marking a major milestone in its sporting history.

The club recently completed further ground improvements with the installation of new seating on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

Located over the terrace area directly on the halfway line, the new seating offers an upgraded viewing area for spectators.

Club volunteer John Hannon of JH Fitout Ltd, who also coaches the Under 10 boys team, assisted with the installation work.


Alongside the developments on the pitch, over 100 people gathered for the club’s annual mass, which was celebrated by Club President Fr Tim O’Sullivan and Club Vice President Fr Michael O’Donoghue.


Following the service, Spa GAA held a special presentation to honour the 60th anniversary of the 1966 O’Donoghue Cup winning team.

All surviving members of the historic side attended the gathering, alongside family representatives of deceased players and team mentors.

The evening provided a chance for the club community to come together, reflect on past successes, and share memories of one of the most famous teams in Spa GAA history.

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