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
Killarney and District Motor Club members honoured by Motorsport Ireland
By Cormac Casey Several members of Killarney and District Motor Club were honoured at the Motorsport Ireland awards lunch in Dublin on Wednesday. The highlight of the event is the […]

By Cormac Casey
Several members of Killarney and District Motor Club were honoured at the Motorsport Ireland awards lunch in Dublin on Wednesday.
The highlight of the event is the announcement of the sport’s top awards.
Kilkenny’s Jack Brennan (19) was named Young Rally Driver of the Year, while Wexford native Jack Byrne was named Young Racing Driver of the Year and the International Driver of the Year award went to recently crowned FIA Junior World Rally Champion, William Creighton.
Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan was presented with his Irish Tarmac Rally Championship winning trophy.
This year saw the introduction of the Motorsport Ireland President’s Awards which celebrate the achievements of clubs and organisations.
Killarney and District Motor Club won in the innovation category for their work with their KDMC 2 initiative thanks to the efforts of the club’s vice chairman Mike O’Shea.
Rally Rescue teams were also recognised and the club’s Mike Cleary picked up an award for his role he played in what was a difficult year for rescue crew operators.
Tom O’Riordan, who looks after ambulance procurement on the club’s events, was presented with an FIA Volunteer Pin by Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper.
Killarney Advertiser Journalist Sean Moriarty was presented with an award for best use of of PR and media in 2023.
News
Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest ‘thank you’ event at Brehon
Participation in the 2023 Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest has grown by more than 100% since 2020 with 98% of those who gave feedback saying they would attend similar […]

Participation in the 2023 Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest has grown by more than 100% since 2020 with 98% of those who gave feedback saying they would attend similar events again in 2024.
Feedback from more than 100 people who attended this year’s Fest events from 7th to 14th October was positive with 91% stating they were satisfied.
The Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest is held annually over the course of a week to highlight World Mental Health Day on October 10.
It aims to raise awareness of the available supports and services in Kerry as well as empower people to engage with the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ through offering a dynamic and interactive programme of events.
99% percent of respondents, most of whom identified as female, said they would recommend the Fest to friends next year. Some key notes for improvement included a request for more events with wider variety throughout the county.
The Chair of the Interagency Steering Group, John Drummey from Kerry Mental Health Association, said: “We wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to event organisers, community groups, businesses, funders and partners that facilitated the Fest’s dynamic and interactive programme of events in 2023. We are encouraged to see such growth in numbers attending the Fest events with a 50% increase from 2022. We are already making plans for the Fest from 5 to 12t October 2024 and we are looking forward to building on this year’s successes. That said, there is always room for improvement and we would welcome suggestions for new events and activities.”
Many of the event organisers attended a ‘thank-you’ event at the Brehon Hotel, Killarney, courtesy of the Kerry Volunteer Centre to coincide with the annual International Volunteer Day, December 5.
The Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest was organised by an interagency steering group made up of local agencies that support wellbeing in our community.
The organising committee is a collaboration between Connecting for Life Kerry, Healthy Kerry, Kerry County Council, Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership, the HSE, NEWKD, SKDP, Kerry Mental Health Association, Jigsaw Kerry, Munster Technological University/Kerry, KDYS, Kerry Volunteer Centre and Family Resource Centres throughout the county.