Killarney Racecourse has confirmed a schedule change for its upcoming May Fest to avoid a direct clash with the Munster Senior Football Final.

Following a proactive request by local management, the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Fixtures Committee has approved a date swap between Killarney and Cork Racecourse.

Killarney’s National Hunt fixture, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 10, will now take place on Saturday, May 9.

In exchange, Cork Racecourse will move its Saturday meeting to the Sunday slot.

The decision was made following confirmation that the Munster Football Final is set for Sunday, May 10.

As the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kerry are widely expected to feature in the provincial decider.

Should they qualify, the match would likely be held at Fitzgerald Stadium, creating significant logistical pressure on the town.

Manager at Killarney Racecourse, Karl McCay said:
“There is a lot of football to be played before May but once the dates were confirmed we thought it best to be proactive and seek a swap with Cork. A Munster Final in Killarney on the same day as a race meeting would have had a significant impact on stable staff travelling horses, as well as on connections, other industry staff and racegoers intending to be there. On behalf of Killarney Racecourse, I would just like to offer our appreciation to everyone at Cork Racecourse for switching days with us that weekend in May,” McCay stated.

The Killarney May Fest will now run from Saturday, May 9 through Tuesday, May 12, offering fans a mix of National Hunt and Flat racing in a more manageable environment.

Killarney for Palestine will present the County Kerry premiere screening of the critically acclaimed film The Voice of Hind Rajab at The Brehon Hotel on Sunday, February 22, at 18:30.

The exclusive community event brings one of the most decorated films of the year to Killarney following its success on the international awards circuit.
The film has recently secured a BAFTA nomination, adding to its previous Academy Award and Golden Globe nods. A Tunisian-French co-production, it tells the true story of Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza.
The production is noted for incorporating actual voice recordings between Hind and the Red Crescent volunteers who attempted to rescue her.
At its London premiere, Killarney actress Jessie Buckley spoke about the film’s impact, stating: “I don’t know how to be human. I need stories like this to wake me up. And make me realise something I didn’t know I needed to realise.”
The film also holds the record for the longest standing ovation in the history of the Venice International Film Festival, where it received a 20-minute tribute and won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.
The project features a high-profile executive production team, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Spike Lee.
While the film is currently on release in cinemas nationwide, local organisers moved the screening to The Brehon Hotel after being unable to secure a local cinema setting.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine described the event as “an act of bearing witness,” adding that it provides a chance for the community to come together for a powerful experience cantered on a child’s voice.

The local connection: A Voice from Linden House

The upcoming screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab holds a direct and poignant connection to the Killarney community through residents currently living in Linden House.
Bilal, a Palestinian native from Dura, has been living in Killarney for the past two months and highlights the ongoing reality faced by those in his homeland.
While Bilal’s wife and children are currently safe in Jordan, his community in Dura continues to face extreme hardship. Recently, a friend in his home village received a 72-hour notice from the Israeli army regarding the imminent demolition of a family home, a practice described as collective punishment.
Bilal is sharing his story to give a local face to the international headlines, seeking to get the message of his people out to the world. His presence in Killarney serves as a reminder that the global events depicted in the film have a deep, personal impact on individuals now living within our local community.