By Michelle Crean

It hasn't been the easiest 19 months for most industries - and for one local man it's pure relief to finally be getting behind the decks.

DJ Cian Shiels from Pinewood, who runs Funktion Events is finally looking forward to his first gig back in almost two years.

He has been booked to run his own event night at this year's K-FEST in Killorglin which takes place on Saturday (October 23).

At the K-FEST gig he will headline the show in O'Sheas Bar, Killorglin and will team up with Killarney's George Heelan, and Jonno Brien and Karl Seery from Tralee, for a night of techno and house music which is expected to last four and a half hours. It begins at 7pm and entry is free.

"I've been out of work due to COVID-19, and this will be my first gig back in almost two years," Cian told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I'm nervous because it's so long since I did a gig. It's like starting all over again."

Cian is no stranger in town as he helps set up the stages for gigs in the INEC and Europe Hotel. He was also working as backstage crew for the recent ANSEO gigs who hosted the first gigs for many singers and bands since the shutdown began.

He set up Funktion Events in 2017 and past guest DJs included Rebuke from Letterkenny, Mark Reeve from Germany, Ejeca from Antrim and Harvey McKay from Glasgow. The shutdown happened so suddenly, but Cian thought he'd be back to business within weeks.

"The last gig was set up in McSorleys but we didn't go ahead with it. I left the gear in there and said we'd run it in a week or two."

It was months later before he collected the equipment.

"It's great to be back working again," he said.