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M&S volunteers take on rhododendron challenge in Killarney

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EARLIER this year, Killarney Advertiser turned a spotlight on the scourge of rhododendron in Killarney National Park. It’s an issue that has sparked concern and breast-beating for decades. Of course, action speaks louder than words and it was refreshing to see a group of colleagues from Marks & Spencer, Killarney, join forces to try to help address the problem as part of a workplace initiative.

These volunteers donned their overalls and headed for Killarney National Park as part of the store’s Make it Matter plan, which aims to support communities across Ireland and the UK and help people live happier, healthier lives.

The M&S Killarney team signed up for the Mountain Meitheal, which undertakes projects to protect and conserve mountain and forest areas in Ireland. To begin, four different M&S Killarney staff members over the course of a week volunteered their time to remove rhododendron pods encroaching on other native plants thus killing flowers, helping to maintain sites throughout Killarney National Park.

Tim Cahalane, Rhododendron Eradication Programme Manager at Killarney National Park, said: “Killarney National Park runs a year-round conservation maintenance programme preventing the highly invasive rhododendron ponticum from becoming re-established on important woodland and moorland habitats. Volunteers play a vital role in this project and we would like to thank the staff from Marks & Spencer for choosing to pledge their volunteer hours to this important task.”

In addition to this, over 10 staff from M&S Killarney dedicated their time to paint and redecorate Fossa Community Centre, turning it into what Eileen Lucey of the centre described as “a sanctuary for local people to enjoy”.

Paul Daly, Store Manager at M&S Killarney, said: “We believe that lots of the small actions from lots of people can collectively have a huge impact on a community. Our park is our national heritage and we are committed to ensuring its standards remain high. We’re also delighted to help the community centre and brighten up a space that is used by many local people.”
 


 
Above: Mairead Buckley, Laura Coffey, Aine McCarthy and Claire Looney.

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph


Glenflesk CCE and the local traditional music community are celebrating a major haul of silverware following the Angland family’s outstanding performances at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Lismore, County Waterford.


Siblings Colleen, Olivia, Seán, and Grace Angland earned a impressive collection of provincial titles, podium finishes, and All-Ireland qualification spots across multiple music, singing, and dancing disciplines.
Seán Angland delivered a stellar run in the 12-15 category, taking first place in the Melodeon alongside second-place finishes in Piano, Accompaniment, and Mouth Organ. He also secured second place in both the Duet and Trio competitions alongside his sister Olivia and Aoife Hobbert of Lixnaw CCE.
Olivia Angland added to the family success with third-place finishes in both the 12-15 Fiddle and Lilting competitions. She also excelled on the dance floor, winning first place in the 12-15 Mixed Set Dance and third in the Ladies Set Dance with Killarney CCE.
In the 15-18 age group, Colleen Angland secured double silver with second-place finishes in both the Flute Slow Airs and Whistle Slow Airs. Colleen, Olivia, and Seán also joined forces as members of the Cork-based Baile Átha an Spidéil Grúpaí Ceoil (15-18) to take third place in a competitive field.
Meanwhile, Grace Angland earned second place with the An Ríocht Senior Grúpaí Ceoil. The achievement sees Grace return to the All-Ireland stage in Belfast, following her national title win in Senior Piano at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last year.

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

Musicians, singers, and dancers from both the Killarney and Kilcummin branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are heading to Belfast this weekend for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann following major success at the Munster Fleadh in Lismore, County Waterford.


The All-Ireland competition runs from August 2 to August 9, with competitors from across the two local parishes travelling north to compete on the national stage.
Kilcummin CCÉ enjoyed an outstanding provincial tournament across music, language, and dancing. Eoin Foley claimed a Munster title in the 15 to 18 Button Accordion, while Micheál Healy took gold in the Over 18 Melodeon alongside a third-place finish in the button accordion. Brynn McCarthy secured her spot in Belfast after qualifying in Comhrá Gaeilge for 9 to 11 age group, while also picking up third place in Under 12 English Singing.
Dancers from the Moriarty School of Dancing dominated the set dancing competitions in Lismore, winning five Munster titles across Under 12 Ladies, Under 12 Mixed, Under 18 Ladies, Over 18 Mixed, and Over 35 Ladies. These five sets now join four previously qualified Kilcummin sets—the Over 18 Mixed, Ladies, and Half sets, along with the Over 35 Mixed—bringing a total of nine set dancing teams from the parish to the Belfast finals under trainers Adrian, John, and Mary Moriarty.
Killarney CCÉ members also celebrated a highly successful provincial championship, securing a haul of Munster titles and top-three qualification spots across various music, singing, dancing, and Irish language categories.

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