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Landowners burning gorse are “acting within the law”

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MOUNTAINS AFLAME: The remains of two burning fires near Castlemaine in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Photo: Michael G Kenny

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By Sean Moriarty

A spokesperson for Killarney Fire and Rescue has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that landowners are acting within the law by burning gorse at this time of the year. Concerns were raised on Tuesday and Wednesday night when several gorse fires in the area lit up the skies.

A large fire was reported in the Scartaglin area on Tuesday evening. A unit from Killarney Fire Station provided back-up to Castleisland Fire Station for this incident.

A second, smaller fire, was reported in the foothills of Strickeen Mountain at the same time.

A third fire near the communications mast at Leamnaguilla, Kilcummin was attended to by units of Killarney Fire and Rescue in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

“It was not such a big ordeal,” a Killarney officer, who attended the Kilcummin fire, told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is legal at this time of year, until February 28. No doubt there will be irresponsible people burning after this date and that is when people should be giving out. But they are giving out now when it is perfectly legal.”

On Wednesday night further gorse fires were reported in the Killarney area near Glenflesk and on Mangerton Mountain. Further afield there were gorse fires near Castlemaine and Inch.

Unseasonal dry underfoot conditions and the early week easterly winds helped fan the flames but the arrival of rain as well as snow on higher ground on Thursday helped contain the fires.

The practice of burning gorse bushes has long been controversial. Farmers defend the need to burn the upland gorse as it is an evasive plant and prevents animals from getting access mountainside grazing.

“Managed burning of gorse is good land management practice as it allows the regeneration of mountain land,” said an Irish Farmers Association statement.

Nature conservationists are opposed to the practice saying it causes damage to the natural habitats and disrupts wildlife in the area.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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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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