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Modern day musical to spark conversation on topical issues

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By Michelle Crean

Teens are hoping to spark conversation by focusing on daunting during their musical performance on the INEC stage next month.

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'Prom Queen: The Jukebox Musical’ was written, created and stars 15-year-old Sinéad Greene, who is a Third Year student at Killarney Community College.

Her school friend Rachel Griffin (17) is co-director, executive producer and also a lead actor.

The cast and crew include many local students and also students from outside Killarney such as Rathmore, Tralee and even as far as Cork and Limerick.

This youth project aims to raise awareness around the importance of mental health and the girls advise that viewer discretion is advised as it's rated 12+ due to explicit language, and focusing on themes such as bullying, domestic abuse, references to suicide and LGBTQ+ representation.

"The show hopes to shine a light on these topics and spark conversations about the many different stories portrayed in the plot of this production," Sinéad told the Killarney Advertiser.

"There is a witty approach to the daunting questions of the modern day, with a catchy soundtrack which has many great, recognisable hits!"

Sinead started writing Prom Queen when she was 11-years-old.

"It has been a huge part of my life since then."

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'Prom Queen' was officially launched on social media on June 15, 2021. Its official premiere took place in the form of a virtual concert on August 27, the same year.

"We gathered a group of 12 girls attending Killarney Community College, St. Brigid’s Secondary School and Intermediate School Killorglin."

Next stop is the INEC - something she only dreamed of when she first put pen to paper.

"Now we're here, a year after the official launch, and we're planning a fully staged production on the INEC stage in Killarney on November 21 and a show for schools on November 22."

Just two weeks ago, the cast had the amazing opportunity to perform at the Stories of Change Festival held in conjunction with Iveragh Learning Landscapes in Waterville.

"We are working in conjunction with MACademy, a local theatre organisation that provide the pupils with masterclasses and guidance."

“We performed a selection of songs from the show, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. It was amazing to see the cast in costume and see everything coming together and we are now more excited than ever for November 21,” Rachel said.

They have also set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to cover the costs of venue hire, lighting, props, costumes, sound and stage design amongst many other things.

However, they are still urgently looking for local businesses to donate to their raffle.

"Any prizes, big or small, would be greatly appreciated!"

Tickets for the show are now available on eventbrite. For further information please visit promqueenthemusical.wordpress.com.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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