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May the fourth be with you! ‘Star Wars Day’ highlights Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way

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Harrison Ford attends the Star Wars: The Force Awakens fan event at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios

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YESTERDAY (May 4) is commonly known as “Star Wars Day” – a special day of celebration for fans of the science fiction franchise everywhere. Tourism Ireland took advantage of this unofficial Star Wars holiday, giving an extra promotional push to its recently launched ‘behind-the-scenes’ Star Wars film.

Using #MayThe4thBeWithYou, Tourism Ireland joined the online conversation to promote its specially commissioned film via Twitter and Facebook in ten different countries – including Britain, the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand. May 4th is the date chosen by fans to celebrate Star Wars because of the easy pun on the famous catchphrase “May the Force be with you” (“May the Fourth be with you”) to declare their love of the franchise.

Over the 24-hour period, Tourism Ireland targeted Star Wars fans through its social media channels – reminding them of the film’s connection with Kerry and Ireland – with messages like:
· Luke speaks! Hear what he said about that Irish island from #StarWars The Force Awakens
· Happy #StarWars Day! Get behind the scenes in Ireland with Luke, Rey and more
· May the 4th be with YOU! Go behind the scenes of #StarWars in Ireland with Luke and more!

Tourism Ireland commissioned LucasFilm to create its special “behind-the-scenes” film during the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Skellig Michael in 2014. In the film, Star Wars actors, director JJ Abrams and other crew members discuss why they chose this special location for filming. It has already been viewed on YouTube and Facebook more than two million times.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been breaking box office records everywhere and Tourism Ireland continues to capitalise on all of the positive exposure, highlighting the Star Wars connection with Ireland and bringing the magnificent scenery of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of millions of people around the world.”

View the behind-the-scenes film below...

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Pictured above: Harrison Ford attends the Star Wars: The Force Awakens fan event at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios

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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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