News
Local talent Orna Cleary O’Shea takes lead role in ‘All Shook Up’
Residents of Killarney will recognise many familiar faces when Killarney Musical Society stages All Shook Up on February 10, 11 and 12 in the Gleneagle Arena.
The society is marking its 40th anniversary year and is introducing the lead cast members in the weeks before opening night.
Orna Cleary O’Shea plays Mayor Matilda Hyde, a conservative town leader who opposes the arrival of rock and roll. The character tries to keep control as music changes life in the community. Mayor Hyde is protective of her son Dean, played by Jaidon Ward Barrett, and works with Sheriff Earl, played by Conor O’Leary, to maintain order.
Orna has performed with the society since its first production in 1985 and has appeared in every show.
She said she has built her life around the group. “I have been afforded countless unforgettable memories, fabulous friendships, laughter, loss and love, and above all moments that have shaped my life and will treasure forever,” she said.
Her past roles include Eliza Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’, Sally Smith in ‘Me and My Girl’, Reno Sweeney in ‘Anything Goes’, Laurie in ‘Oklahoma’, and Mrs Johnstone in ‘Blood Brothers’.
She received an AIMS Best Actress nomination for Oklahoma. In later years she played Maria, Duchess of Derreen in Titanic and Alice Beane in Titanic.
Orna said Killarney Musical Society has been more than theatre. “KMS has been far more than a stage to me, it has been part of my life, a second home filled with laughter, tears, lifelong friendships and memories of a lifetime,” she said.
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and at the Gleneagle box office.
Community clean-up group reactivates in National Park
A community litter clean-up initiative established during the pandemic has reactivated following a fresh volunteer drive in Killarney National Park.
The group was originally formed in April 2021 by local residents Eoin O’Sullivan and Alan Ryan to tackle rubbish accumulation in the park. The initiative built up a strong local following, with its dedicated Facebook group growing to over 630 members.
Highlighting the park’s importance to the local economy and community, tour guide Diarmaid Griffin organised the latest clean-up session. According to figures from Kerry County Council, 30 per cent of workers in Killarney are employed in tourism-related industries.
Six volunteers took part in the recent Sunday outing, with organisers expressing hope that attendance will grow for future scheduled events.
Diarmaid Griffin said: “It feels good to give back to the place that gives us so much.”
Organisers extended thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service staff for permissions, Killarney Town Hall for providing clean-up equipment, and Killarney Tidy Towns for ongoing operational support.
Killarney rider represents Ireland at UCI Enduro World Cup
Local rider Adam Murphy recently swapped his club colours for the green jersey of Ireland to compete at the UCI Enduro World Cup in Italy.
Taking on some of the world’s fastest enduro racers, Murphy navigated a series of technical mountain trails across both events. The Killarney Cycling Club member posted strong stage times throughout the competition, demonstrating his consistency and speed against elite international field entries.
The event offered valuable top-tier experience as Murphy represented both country and town on the international stage.
Killarney Cycling Club expressed its gratitude to all local sponsors whose ongoing support enables club athletes to compete in high-level events abroad.
The club runs mountain bike rides for youth cyclists every Sunday morning in Muckross. Anyone interested in participating can find further details and contact the club directly through the official Killarney Cycling Club website.
GREEN JERSEY: Local cyclist Adam Murphy in action during the UCI Enduro World Cup in Italy, where he represented Ireland against the world’s top mountain bike riders.
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