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Killarney’s tourism trendsetter laid to rest

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By Sean Moriarty

Tributes have been paid to Kathleen Lynch who has been described as one of Killarney’s tourism trendsetters.

Mrs Lynch, who was 92, died on Monday, September 30.

For close on 50 years she ran Lynch’s Farmhouse in Kilcummin, one of the first bed and breakfast style tourist accommodation sites outside the town of Killarney.

She started her thriving business in 1967, at a time when tourism in Killarney was growing in popularity but the town did not have as many hotels as it does now.

Tourism officials in the town put out a call to arms in an effort to get home owners from outside the centre to open their houses to passing tourists. Encouraged by a grant to install a telephone, Kathleen opened her first three-bedroom guesthouse in 1967.

“It was no trouble to her, she opened the guesthouse and it took off from there,” her daughter Carmel told the Killarney Advertiser. “She thrived on it. She was up early every morning baking and sorting out rooms, and when she was finished she was off down the fields with my father.”

Kathleen and her husband John opened up their farm to their many guests. For some it was their first experience of seeing a cow being milked. John offered horse and donkey rides to their guests, showing they were well ahead of their time when it came customer service.

Business was so good they were able to construct a purpose built guesthouse in 1973.

Such was the level of service, guests came back year after year and Kathleen built life-long friendships from all over the world.

“People came back all the time, they would bring presents and the excitement was like someone coming home from America,” added Carmel.

Famous people that stayed at the farmhouse included a first-cousin of US President JF Kennedy.

“She was a great worker,” added Carmel. “When we were young we were never brought to town. Someone had to stay at home at all times in case the phone rang and we missed a booking.”

When Lynch’s Farmhouse first opened Kathleen dealt with Mrs Meehan in the Killarney Tourist office.

“She used keep a big book with all the bookings in it and if you ever got it wrong Mrs Meehan would take the head off you.”

Kathleen Lynch was laid to rest yesterday (Thursday) in Aghadoe Cemetery.

She was predeceased by her husband John and is sadly missed by her four children: Eileen, Maura, Noel and Carmel, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

 

 

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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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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