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Local boys steal the hearts of the nation on live TV

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SURPRISE: Book reviewer and musician Rian Gleeson was shocked that staff on The Late Late Toy Show arranged for him to meet musician Sharon Shannon. Picture Andres Poveda

 

By Michelle Crean

 

Over 1.35 million viewers stayed up late and tuned into the most watched show of the year on Friday night – but it was two local youngsters that stole hearts on The Late Late Toy Show.

From book reviewer Rian Gleeson’s shock surprise that the show has arranged for him to have a private session with musician Sharon Shannon - to Denis Moroney’s emotional rendition of ‘Grace’ – there wasn’t a dry eye in households across the country.

Seven-year-old Rian from Artegallivan, who was featured in the Killarney Advertiser two weeks ago, said appearing on the show was “a dream come true”.

“It was so exciting to get to meet Ryan and see the magical set,” Rian told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I really enjoyed the books I got to review and I even got to meet some of the authors the week before the show. All of the team in RTÉ were so nice, I played my accordion and it was definitely a day I will never forget!”

Rian was really shocked when Ryan told him he had a surprise that will involve him meeting Sharon Shannon on December 14.

He will get an hour master class with the accordion player and get to go to her concert in the INEC.

Rian has been learning the accordion for the last seven months under the tutelage of his dad Mícheál Gleeson, so this is going to be a very special experience for them both.

“I was stunned when Ryan told me, I am so happy and I cannot wait to meet her.”

[caption id="attachment_29210" align="alignleft" width="200"] MOVING PERFORMANCE: Denis Moroney (12) from Killorglin pictured wIth Ryan Tubridy moments after singing 'Grace' on Friday night's Late Late Toy Show. Picture Andres Poveda[/caption]

For young 12-year-old Denis from Killorglin, appearing on the show was very emotional as both his parents, Lyn and Michael, were unable to be there as they were away in New York on their honeymoon – seven years after they married, he told Tubridy.

After his stunning performance, Tubridy, so moved by his singing, hugged Denis and told the audience ‘I wasn’t supposed to come up here at all but this guy touched my heart’.

“You did it. How are you feeling? You’re a good guy, do you know that?”, he told Denis, who is played a leading role in last year’s Killarney Musical Society’s 'The Sound of Music'.

Upon hearing that his parents were away, Tubridy reassured the tearful youngster by adding ‘for tonight, we’re all your mom and dad’.

From Friday to Sunday a further 233,000 streams were made on the RTE Player. However, Denis waited for his parents to return home and together watched the show with younger brother Daniel (9) on Monday.

 

[caption id="attachment_29209" align="alignleft" width="200"] Denis performing 'Grace' on the Late Late Toy Show. Picture Andres Poveda.[/caption]

 

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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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