News
Killarney’s tourism history features in new Sliabh Luachra Journal

By Donal Hickey
The growth of facilities for visitors in Killarney in the 19th century is recalled in the newly launched Sliabh Luachra Journal.
An article in the 20th edition of the popular publication features the experiences of the authors of two guide books who were among the early tourists who travelled from Cork to Killarney, via Millstreet and Rathmore.
In 1822, George Newenham Wright, an Anglican clergyman, told of finding two principal streets in Killarney, Old and New Streets, and three "tolerable" inns.
However, when William Balch, an American Christian minister and campaigner, came in 1850 tourism had developed further and Killarney had at least seven hotels, including the Royal Victoria (now the Castlerosse) and the Muckross Hotel (now Muckross Park Hotel).
Balch was enraptured by the scenery of Killarney.
“It seemed to me there could not be found a more beautiful place on earth. I certainly do not recollect the sight of one in all my travels,’’ he wrote.
SHOWBAND ERA
Two veterans of the showband era, Neilly O’Sullivan of The Radiant, and Jim McAuliffe of The Specialists, are interviewed for an article which recalls the halcyon days of the 1950s and ‘60s when ballrooms like the Gleneagle attracted thousands of dancers, week after week.
The Radiant was based in Scartaglin and the Specialists in Rathmore.
Neilly O’Sullivan, who has lived for many years in Killarney, drove his band’s Volkswagen minibus to venues all over Munster. On the roof of the minibus was an illuminated sign with the band’s name.
“As the electric sign on the roof ‘radiated’ for miles, dancers could see us coming over the hills of Kerry and the excitement began,’’ Neilly said.
Jim McAuliffe recounted how The Specialists played in many top ballrooms of the era, including the Television Club, Dublin, the Gleneagle, and the Brandon in Tralee, where they once shared a stage with world heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Frazier.
“I enjoyed every minute of my time playing with The Specialists,’’ he said.
However, signs of the demise of the showband era were apparent from the early 1970s as discos and more pop-orientated bands began to take over.
“By 1975, changes in the entertainment scene were clear for all to see,’’ Jim said.
As might be expected, traditional music features strongly in the journal, published by Cumann Luachra, with articles by well-known trad musicians Michelle O’Sullivan and Emma O’Leary.
News
Ted Healy Properties wins DNG Small Branch of the Year
A Killarney estate agents has received a national award at the DNG National Conference and Awards, which took place at The Curragh Racecourse last week. Killarney estate agent DNG Ted […]

A Killarney estate agents has received a national award at the DNG National Conference and Awards, which took place at The Curragh Racecourse last week.
Killarney estate agent DNG Ted Healy Properties was named the ‘Small Branch of the year’ at the awards sponsored by the Irish Examiner.
The Conference and Awards ceremony was attended by more than 150 delegates from offices across Ireland where a range of topics from Ireland’s property market outlook to DNG’s recent partner affiliation with Hampton International and the role of DNG in the residential and commercial sectors, were discussed.
Delegates were entertained by guest speaker Ireland Rugby legend and La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara.
The judging panel of industry experts, included Peter Dargan of Irish Times, Adrian Bushnell of Pan Research, Ross Killeen of Media Pro and Keith Lowe, CEO of DNG.
The panel praised DNG Ted Healy for the high standard of service to customers and the team’s use of Social Media to enhance their business.
A native of Killarney, Ted Healy officially opened his estate agency practice in March 2006 and has gone from strength to strength ever since providing a highly professional and competent residential and commercial estate agency service to the people of Killarney and its surrounds.
“We are so grateful to be recognised as the DNG Small Branch of the year. The whole team at DNG Ted Healy has strived towards excellent for the last 12 months, and this only motivates us to continue exceeding expectations and delivering excellence to our clients,” said Ted Healy.
The awards celebrate the hard work carried out across the DNG Network and recognise the successes of individuals within the organisation, rewarding the high standards of service, business acumen and professionalism that are demonstrated in each DNG branch.
News
Fassbender ready for second Le Mans appearance
Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender is in the final preparation stages for his second appearance at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The iconic endurance race is celebrating its […]

Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender is in the final preparation stages for his second appearance at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The iconic endurance race is celebrating its 100th edition next weekend.
The Fossa star has already arrived in the famous French twon where he is involved in a week-long series of engagements including drivers’ parades, autograph sessions and more serious appointments like car safety checks, practice and qualifying.
Like last year, when he finished 16th in the LMGTE Am class, Fassbender has been entered in to the event by the German Proton Competition team with Estonian Martin Rump and the Austrian Richard Lietz.
Fassbender dreams of following the trajectory of fellow Hollywood actors Patrick Dempsey who was second in LMGTE Am class in 2016 and Paul Newman who finished second overall in 1979.