News
Local business named ‘Jewellery Store of the Year’
HUGE ACCOLADE: Brian and Mairead de Staic of Brian de Staic Jewellery, who have a business on High Street, have been named ‘Jewellery Store of the Year’.
A local Killarney business woman and her husband have won an enormous accolade – as their businesses were named ‘Jewellery Store of the Year’.
Brian de Staic Jewellery, which has three stores, with one based in High Street, and two in Dingle, won ‘The Irish Independent Jewellery Store of the Year Award 2019’.
The event, which is in its second year, welcomed finalists and guests from all over the country to The Crowne Plaza, Dublin - Blanchardstown, on Wednesday, August 14 in a celebration of the Irish retail industry.
The awards acknowledged the contributions of the country’s independent retails to the overall economy as well as the wide range of diversity that is present in this sector. They also recognised the business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals that own smaller chains, whose work is often overshadowed in the bigger landscape.
The awards were hosted by the best-selling author and presenter, Andrea Hayes. She welcomed on stage the finalists of each sector whose ability and commitment to serving the Irish communities have crowed them winners.
The competition was very competitive but Brian and Máiréad de Staic, who export their products to 68 countries worldwide, say they are humbled and honoured to receive the accolade.
“This award is a great recognition of our contribution to the jewellery business for nearly 40 years,” Mairead said.
“We’d like to thank our tremendous team and all our local, national and International customers.”
She explained that the event also provided an excellent platform for networking and marketing as some of the most successful retailers and brands were present to celebrate the achievements of the retail sector.
As well as celebrating the Irish independent retailers, the awards also offered a platform to raise money for official charity partner Make-A-Wish Ireland that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to give hope, strength and joy.
ANAM Centre launches packed summer cultural programme for locals and visitors
Kerry County Council’s Arts Service, in association with the Killarney Arts Working Group, has officially launched the 2026 ANAM Summer Arts Programme (ASAP).
The dedicated arts and cultural space on East Avenue Road is set to host a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, film, and youth competitions designed to appeal to both local residents and tourists throughout the peak holiday season.
The summer lineup aims to provide artists with critical platforms to showcase their work while giving audiences accessible opportunities to experience live art. Councillor Martin O’Grady noted that the programme includes a multitude of performances, offering an important platform for all ages to enjoy the arts. Mary Murphy of the Killarney Arts Working Group added that utilizing the ANAM space successfully draws new audiences to the Killarney arts scene.
Featured events include “Bog Jazz,” an innovative project by musicians Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy that reworks traditional Sliabh Luachra fiddle music using electric guitar and drums. Additionally, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence Aidan Connolly will lead a two-night concert series in late July alongside Bryan O’Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, and Charlie O’Brien, exploring the unique history, songs, and folklore of the region.
The programme also features “The Anam Sessions,” a series of five free bi-weekly evening concerts directed by Tim O’Shea. These sessions will showcase emerging local talent across Irish folk, singer-songwriter, and Afro-Irish genres. For younger musicians, the popular “Battle of the Bands” competition returns in August. Organised in partnership with Music Generation Kerry, it will feature separate junior and senior categories to highlight local youth talent.
The summer performance series is fully sponsored by the Kerry Arts Service. For further queries, the public can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.
ANAM Summer Arts Event Calendar
Traditional and Folk Music (The Anam Sessions with Tim O’Shea) Dates: ; Wednesday, July 15; Wednesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 12; Wednesday, August 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sliabh Luachra Traditional Music Concert Series (Aidan Connolly and Guests) Dates: Wednesday, July 29; Thursday, July 30 Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Senior Competition) Dates: Friday, August 7; Friday, August 14; Friday, August 21; Friday, August 28 Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Battle of the Bands (Junior Competition) Dates: Sunday, August 9; Sunday, August 16; Sunday, August 23; Sunday, August 30 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bog Jazz Performance (Eoin O’Sullivan & Shane Murphy) Date: Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
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