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Memorial plaque planned for Moll’s Gap to honour local hero John Mullane

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The family of the late John Mullane have announced plans to erect a memorial plaque near Moll’s Gap to honour the man whose heroic actions and early dedication helped shape the Killarney and District Motor Club (KDMC).

John was a central figure in the local motorsport scene during the mid-1970s.

Many in East Kerry consider him a founding member of KDMC, noting his significant workload alongside rallying legends like Billy Coleman during the formative years of the Rally of the Lakes.

His life was cut short in 1980, just one year after the first Rally of the Lakes was held.

John died at Looscaunagh Lake, located beside the iconic Moll’s Gap stage, after entering the water to save a friend.

Despite being unable to swim, his selfless effort ensured his colleague made it to shore alive, though it cost John his own life.

“If John was still alive today there is no doubt he would be one of the main men contributed to The Annual Rally of the Lakes," said Anne Marie Clifford. "His love for motorsport and very early involvement in KDMC is widely spoken about by many of his peers throughout the years and the competition for this cup is intense and this year was no different.”

His legacy continues through the John Mullane Memorial Cup. Awarded since 1981, it remains one of the most coveted prizes in the rally, presented each year to the highest-placed crew consisting of two Kerry residents.

The new plaque will serve as a permanent reminder of his bravery and his lasting contribution to Killarney motorsport.

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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