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Marathon man Tom gets on his marks to run into world record books

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Tralee’s Tom Foley to take on the world’s first 20 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge! He is pictured with John O'Sullivan, general manager of Tom's sponsor Lee Strand. PICTURE: DOMNICK WALSH

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TRALEE man Tom Foley is limbering up to take on the ultimate fitness challenge in August by completing 20 marathons in 10 days. Tom, who works in Tralee Town Centre Apartments, which are owned and managed by Lee Strand, will travel to Lake Orta in Gozzano in Italy, to embark on the challenge on Saturday, August 6.

In temperatures of f over 30 degrees, the 37-year-old will run over the ten days a total of 526 miles, with two marathons a day. “The first marathon will take place at 8am and the second marathon will commence at 2pm each day,” said Tom.

This event is a world’s first official 20 marathons in 10 days, with some of Italy’s top marathon athletes also taking part.

John O’Sullivan, general manager, Lee Strand, said: “Lee Strand is delighted to sponsor our colleague Tom in this remarkable challenge. Tom has put in a lot of training and is working hard on his strength and conditioning. Lee Strand Protein+ Milk has played an important role in Tom’s nutrition for pre-training and post recovery in preparation for the event.

“Of course we will also be sending a suitcase to Italy filled with Lee Strand Protein+ Milk to help with Tom’s preparation and recovery during the challenge!”

Tom, who is a member of Tralee’s Born to Run Club, said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge, but I reckon that it will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one! I would like to thank my sponsors Lee Strand Protein+ Milk who are supporting me with my travel, accommodation and entry fees for the 20 marathons. All proceeds raised from the challenge will be donated to the homeless charity Jacket Off Your Back.”

No stranger to fitness challenges, Tom has completed 27 marathons in the last three years. In 2014 he cycled over 2400km from St John's Church in Tralee to the Vatican in Rome as part of the ‘Home To Rome Cycle Challenge’ in aid of the Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation. The challenge was filmed and a documentary was broadcast on Irish TV called ‘Donal’s Message From Home To Rome’. In 2015 Tom took part in the Energia 24-hour Irish Championships in Belfast, when he ran over 103 miles around the Mary Peters Athletic Track 400m track in 24 hours.

Follow Tom’s journey on Facebook, “Tom Foley’s 20 Marathons in 10 Days” or if you would like to make a donation to his charity Jacket Your Back log on to www.gofundme.com/toms20in10

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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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