Connect with us

News

Muckross Suite CD will boost local charity

Published

on

A magnificent musical suite, specially composed and arranged to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Muckross House to the public, has been released on CD to raise funds for a deserving local charity this Christmas.

The Muckross Suite features five fabulous tracks all of which are linked to specific moments in time or events that occurred in the landmark house, the building of which was completed in 1843.

All proceeds from the CD will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group which operates the Healthlink Transport Service bringing patients, free of charge, to and from hospitals in Cork and Limerick for treatment.

The CD project was commissioned by the Trustees of Muckross House to mark the diamond anniversary of the opening of the landmark building to the people of Killarney and around the world in 1964.

The Muckross Suite was composed by JJ O’Shea with arrangements by Paul de Grae and Reidun Schlesinger.

Paul (piano and guitar) and Reidun (harp) are joined by musicians Barry Lynch (uilleann pipes and whistle) and Sean Abeyta (fiddle) and the five-track CD was recorded at Tony O’Flaherty’s Sonas Studios in Killarney.

Muckross House archivist and librarian Patricia O’Hare said the inspiration for the musical project was inspired by Muckross House itself, its furnishings, its location and its history.
“It was a real labour of love for all involved and it is wonderful to be in a position to support such a wonderful charity,” she said.

Composer and broadcaster JJ O’Shea said the melody goes through five different changes and it takes the listener on an epic journey through the history of Muckross House.

The Muckross Suite is on sale in the Muckross House Craft Centre for €9.99 and all proceeds will go to the Kerry Cancer Support Group

The five tracks in what is essentially a Muckross House Anthem are:

Mary Herbert’s Piano: A tranquil solo piece dedicated to the former Muckross House owner whose piano is still on show there.

Kitty in the Kitchen: A jig that celebrates the life and times of the Muckross House staff who worked downstairs.


View from the Library Window:
A harp-based track featuring a spectacular view from Muckross House which inspired Mary Herbert who was an accomplished water colourist. Her art demonstrates her great love and affection for Killarney’s landscape.

An American in Killarney: A lively jazz number dedicated to American entrepreneur William Bowers Bourn who purchased Muckross House for his daughter Maud.

Open Doors: A lively, upbeat 1960’s style rhythm marking the opening of Muckross House to the public in 1964.

Advertisement

News

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Published

on

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

Published

on

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport