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No parade but Killarney to turn green this St Patrick’s Day

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GREEN: The International Hotel will turn green again this March to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

 

By Michelle Crean

Plans for Killarney's St Patrick’s Day parade this March have yet again become a casualty of the COVID crisis with organisers this week saying that it's being shelved for the second year in a row.

Disappointed organisers from Killarney St Patrick’s Festival said that the colourful cultural spectacle - which brings thousands of people and a huge economic boost to the town - won't be going ahead for obvious safety reasons - but plan to mark the day in a very special way by turning the town green - a message they say they will relay to people all over the world in a virtual format.

Businesses are being asked to take part in the Killarney Goes Green initiative to bring some colour to the town and the greening of the town’s iconic buildings, a signature part of the festival in recent years and now an annual tradition, will continue this year with the spotlight falling on landmarks like Ross Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Friary, St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney Methodist Church and Killarney Courthouse.

There will also be prizes for the best greened building and the best dressed shop window.

“We hope and pray that all things being well, we will be back next year with a celebration of St Patrick’s Day like there has never been before and we trust everybody will want to be a part of that celebration,” Paul Sherry, St Patrick’s Festival Chairman, said.

“We hope the town’s business community will again join us by taking part in the Killarney Goes Green initiative for St Patrick’s Day and we invite everybody to shine the green light on their buildings, dress the shop windows and send us images or videos of their efforts,” Paul Sherry said.

“Let’s show the world that, despite the huge challenges, Killarney’s glass will always be more than half full and we promise it will be the place to be for St Patrick’s Day 2022,” he added.

The Killarney St Patrick’s Festival thanked its partners and sponsors Kerry County Council, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Fáilte Ireland and the business community of Killarney for their support and enthusiasm.

Those who would like to visit Killarney next year to be a part of the festival are invited to get in touch through the festival website www.stpatricksfestivalkillarney.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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