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National Park stars in debut fantasy fiction novel

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By Michelle Crean

The beauty of Killarney National Park plays a starring role in a new work of fiction which tackles Climate Change through Irish myth and magic.

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The debut novel 'Realm of the Hare' published by Dixi books in London is a Young Adult/Adult magical realist novel written by Cork man Micheál Lovett who has connections to Killarney town.

Set in Kerry and Oxford, this magical story melds together Irish mythology, sorcery and the ever-growing challenge of climate change in an legendary tale of good versus evil, nature versus man, and Ullanite versus the Regnum.

"It tells the story of Boudicca Moriarty, a young girl from Oxford whose mother has mysteriously disappeared and she returns to the care of her grandparents in Kerry," Michael explained.

Here she finds a mysterious locket containing a tiny book leading her to join forces with a wild hare called ‘Finn’. They journey to the ancient world of the Ullauns, in nearby Killarney National Park, and join a band of child warriors called The Ullaunites, who are the last defenders of Nature from the Regnum, a dark army led by Mustela, who craves Nature and the power of its secrets. To survive, Boudicca must leave behind her childhood and become an Ullaunite warrior and protect Nature, before all is lost to the Regnum.

"As much, if not more so, than the other counties in Ireland, Kerry is blessed with beautiful scenery, and Killarney is surrounded by wondrous nature," explaining his reasons for including the National Park in his book.

"It overlooks the town, provides the backdrop, affects the weather, and thus the people. The people are as much part of nature as the mountains and lakes. Being in the Park repairs the soul," Michael, an English language teacher, said.

A former Writer in Residence at the Everyman Palace, Micheál is a critically acclaimed playwright is from Cork, but the son of a West Kerryman, Michael Lovett from Annascaul.

His debut play 'The Deadman’s Beard’, toured nationally in 2001 including Siamsa Tire, 2002 and 2013, ‘This Ebony Bird’ Cork Opera House & Smock Alley 2005, 2011, ‘Jumping the Sharks’ starring Don Whycherley, Smock Alley, Cork and Limerick. ‘Tricky’ London 2004, ‘Macbeth at the Gates’ New Orleans, US 2007. ‘My Heart Upset the Moon’ RTE Radio 1. He has written for numerous TV shows in Australia with Endemol Shine and Channel 7. He is one of the founding members of Blood in the Alley Productions which has toured Kerry on a number of occasions.

The book available in Eason in Killarney, Waterstones, Amazon UK and the US and all independent bookstores through out the county.

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Final delivery as DJ retires

By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

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By Michelle Crean

There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.

Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.

On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.

“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.

“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”

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Rowers pull together for Order of Malta

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

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Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.

Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!

As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!

No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.

The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.

“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.

“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”

Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.

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