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Pádraig Harnett honoured posthumously by club he loved

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4 years ago

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Tim Jones (Chairman Killarney Celtic FC) presented the Club Person of the Year Award posthumously to the late Pádraig Harnett. It was accepted by Pádraig’s wife Maura and his stepson (back centre) Seán Daly and family members (front left) Kathleen Hartnett (back from left) David Mark Brendan and Robbie Harnett at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Lifelong soccer stalwart and sports reporter Pádraig Harnett, who passed away in October following a brief illness, has been honoured posthumously by the club to which he devoted much of his life.

Killarney Celtic FC Achievement Awards were presented to Diarmuid Daly Brian Spillane and Gary Keane by (left) Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman) and (right) Tim Jones (Club Chairman) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Killarney Celtic FC Committee Paul Sherry (Vice Chairman) Jane O'Donoghue Tim Jones (Club Chairman) Michelle Kennelly Hurley and John Somers at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Diarmuid Daly (second from left) Under 17 Manager presenting the Killarney Celtic U17 Player of the Year Award to winner Eoghan Crowley with his parents John and Desireee Crowley at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Diarmuid Daly (second from left) Senior 'B' management team presenting the Killarney Celtic Senior 'B' Player of the Year Award to winner Adam McMahon with Stephen Hayes Management team at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Alan Doyle (back centre) presenting the Aiden Cronin Memorial Perpetual Shield to Senior 'A' team Player of the Year Stephen McCarthy with (left) Brian Spillane (Senior Team Manager) Sarah and Aiden Cronin (back from left) Diarmuid Daly Stephen Hayes Alan Cronin Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman) and Tim Jones (Club Chairman) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Jerry and Maria Falvey (seated left) presenting the Jimmy Falvey Perpetual Cup Killarney Celtic Youth Player of The Year to Darragh O'Shea who accepted the cup on behalf of winner Sean Fitzgerald with Killarney Celtic FC Youth players (front) Karl Kalvin O'Sullivan, Cathal Kelly (back) Liam Brosnan Murphy, Liam O'Donoghue, Shay O'Meara, Tim Jones (Club Chairman), Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman), Robbie Harnett, Eoghan Crowley, Luke Costello and Diarmuid Daly (Team Manager) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel, Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Pádraig was named 'Club Person of the Year' by Kerry soccer kingpins Killarney Celtic FC at their annual awards ceremony to a mark outstanding contributions and achievements.

Pádraig served in several positions with the club and he always worked tirelessly and passionately for Celtic and Kerry soccer at many levels.

When Pádraig passed away last October, his coffin was draped in the green and white flag of Celtic and club officials, members and players staged a very moving guard of honour as the cortege wound its way through the streets of Killarney.

At a reception in the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Friday night, the award was accepted by Pádraig’s wife, Maura and also in attendance were his stepson Seán Daly, his brother Brendan, sister-in-law Kathleen and nephews Mark and Robbie Harnett.

The awards were presented by club Chairman Tim Jones and Vice Chairman Paul Sherry.

Another recipient on the night was former senior manager Brian Spillane who received an 'Outstanding Achievement' award for his record-breaking exploits on the sidelines.

During his tenure, Celtic won an unprecedented four Premier League and cup doubles in a row as well as the coveted Munster League of Champions trophy.

A key member of that all-conquering Celtic squad was the outstanding Gary Keane who won every honour in the domestic game and is considered a Celtic legend who has been part of the club since he was a schoolboy.

Gary, who recently hung up his boots, was also presented with an outstanding achievement award as was club mentor Diarmuid Daly who was the kitman for the four-in-a-row squad and managed teams at senior B, youth and Under 17 level.

Other awards presented on the night were:

Senior A Player of the Year: Stephen McCarthy
Senior B Player of the Year: Adam McMahon
Youth Player of the Year: Seán Fitzgerald
Under 17 Boys’ Player of the Year: Eoghan Crowley

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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10 hours ago

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24 August 2026

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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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New seating unveiled as Spa GAA celebrates

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1 day ago

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23 August 2026

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It has been a busy period at Spa GAA as the club continues to develop its ground facilities while also marking a major milestone in its sporting history.

The club recently completed further ground improvements with the installation of new seating on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

Located over the terrace area directly on the halfway line, the new seating offers an upgraded viewing area for spectators.

Club volunteer John Hannon of JH Fitout Ltd, who also coaches the Under 10 boys team, assisted with the installation work.


Alongside the developments on the pitch, over 100 people gathered for the club’s annual mass, which was celebrated by Club President Fr Tim O’Sullivan and Club Vice President Fr Michael O’Donoghue.


Following the service, Spa GAA held a special presentation to honour the 60th anniversary of the 1966 O’Donoghue Cup winning team.

All surviving members of the historic side attended the gathering, alongside family representatives of deceased players and team mentors.

The evening provided a chance for the club community to come together, reflect on past successes, and share memories of one of the most famous teams in Spa GAA history.

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