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Landmark church undergoing €260k restoration

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UNDER RESTORATION: Derrycunnihy Church on the Moll's Gap road is undergoing a €260K facelift. Photo: Eƒamonn Mac an Bheatha

 

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By Sean Moriarty

 

A landmark 120-year-old church on the Killarney to Kenmare road is currently undergoing €260k restoration works.

 

Derrycunnihy Church, which sits about halfway between the famous tunnel and Ladies View on the Moll’s Gap road, in the heart of Killarney National Park, is managed by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

 

The Department is presently carrying out structural repairs, which is both a protected structure and has become a roost for a number of protected species including the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and a number of barn owls and swallows.

 

The condition of the historic structure had deteriorated markedly in recent years with a number of storms causing holes in the roof. The cost of the conservation project is expected to be around €260k and is being funded by both the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Historic Structures Fund of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

 

“The proposed conservation works are essential repairs to stabilise and safeguard the church with the primary focus being roof repairs including the re-slating of the roof with salvaged and new natural slate, repair of distinctive historic metal ridge plates, installation of new rainwater goods, and repair of internal doors,” Máire Ní Chonghaile of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht press office told the Killarney Advertiser. “As part of the works, information panels are shortly to be erected to explain to the general public the importance of the church and the wildlife habitats. Carrying out these conservation works will safeguard the structure, which is an important part of the cultural tourism offering in Killarney.”

 

During the course of the repair programme, two training days hosted by the NPWS and Kerry County Council will be held at which the project will be presented to local architects, engineers, architectural conservation officers, third level students and local authority staff.

 

 

 

 

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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