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Local photographer shortlisted in national astrophotography competition

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Local photographer shortlisted in national astrophotography competition

Killarney-based photographer Goran Loncar has been shortlisted in the 2026 Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, and the public is being urged to cast their votes to support his entries.

The national competition is organised by the School of Cosmic Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) in partnership with The Irish Times. It celebrates the best of night sky photography captured across Ireland over the past year.
Loncar secured two spots on the final shortlist with distinct night sky images. His first entry, titled Gap of Dunloe, captures a small local house positioned under the Orion constellation. His second shortlisted photograph, Earth-lit Crescent Moon, focuses on a crescent Moon, showing subtle, detailed features across its shadowed surface.
Members of the public can now vote for Loncar's work in the Public Choice Award category. The full exhibition of shortlisted images is available to view online at www.reachforthestars.ie/exhibition, where people can browse the gallery before casting their ballot. Voting remains open until 5pm on July 13, with a strict limit of one vote per person.
Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, noted that the creative and technical standards of this year's submissions have raised the benchmark for the competition once again.
Aside from the public vote, an expert judging panel including representatives from astronomy, science communication, and media will select overall winners in separate categories, with prizes including photographic equipment vouchers and publication. The winner of the Public Choice category will receive a €250 voucher for photographic equipment alongside passes to the three main sites of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland.

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Pedal for Grace returns to Firies for fifth year

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The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.


Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.

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Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point

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Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point


Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.


In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.

Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)

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