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Marie’s “labour of love” almost ready to hit the shelves

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By Michelle Crean

It's been a labour of love during lockdown and now it's almost ready to hit the shelves - the much anticipated new book by local photographer Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan.

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'Killarney Behind the Mask' will be launched in the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Sunday, December 19 from 3pm to 6pm and copies will be available on the day.

The 360-page hardback, coffee table style book charts the stories of ordinary men, women and children whose lives were turned upside down during the pandemic.

Marie made it her business to photograph and chat to as many local people as possible, initially within her 2km travel limit and later further afield to the actual faces behind the masks of the COVID ward at UHK, to chronicle how they all dealt with the pandemic.

Such was the massively positive and enthusiastic reaction her efforts received on social media channels 'The Little Memory Gallery', Marie decided to take it one step further and opted to publish it in book form to raise funds for local charities including the Kerry branch of the Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House-Nathan’s Walk. Marie also decided to donate part of the proceeds to purchase pampering gifts for the under pressure COVID-19 staff at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) who put themselves at real risk to help others every day of the week.

The book features hundreds of interviews and photographs with local personalities, business interests, families, employers and employees, sports stars and everyday people trying to get on with their lives as best they could.

It also charts the incredible sacrifices made by so many, the unprecedented pressure encountered by staff in the COVID ward at University Hospital Kerry, how Kerry’s oldest man adjusted to the new circumstances, how parents of babies born during lockdown coped and how neighbours and friends reached out like never before to those needing a little extra support.

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“'Killarney Behind the Mask' has been a pure labour of love," Marie said.

"What began with visits to people in the community for a snap-chat within my travel limits, was overwhelmingly embraced and it took on a life of its own on social media. It was a place to check in daily and interact. The only daily task in the early months of the pandemic was who would I visit tomorrow.

“With all of my encounters on file, I really felt it was my duty to Killarney and its wonderful people to document this in a time capsule for future generations, a history book so to speak. Thank you to everyone who humoured me by smiling down my lens, keeping the bright side out, even in hard times, and for allowing me to share their stories."

The book, which will be a real collector’s item, will retail at €35 and it will be available from December 20, at Eason on Main Street, O’Connor’s Newsagents on Beech Road, Bricín on High Street and Kerry Catering Supplies at the Countess Shopping Centre.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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