News
Pádraig Harnett to be remembered at football fundraiser

By Sean Moriarty
One of Killarney’s best loved sons, who passed away suddenly last October, will be remembered in a concert that will combine two of his favourite pastimes.
Best known for his role within Killarney Celtic Football Club, soccer journalist Pádraig Harnett was also a former tour manager for internationally renowned local accordionist Liam O’Connor.
Next Friday night Liam will remember his friend and colleague with a special concert in the Fáilte Hotel.
The concert will raise funds for the Killarney Celtic Football 'For All Team' which is one of only two inclusive clubs in Kerry for children with varying needs.
“Pádraig was a loyal friend, so honest and very intelligent and down to earth," Liam told the Killarney Advertiser.
"He was a larger-than-life character who also worked as a journalist for local magazines, papers and was an avid soccer reporter and broadcaster who could discuss virtually any subject, including sport and music. He was a very special man and played an enormous role in my musical career.”
The pair met over 30 years ago when Pádraig was the Manager of the Earl of Desmond Hotel in Tralee.
“That was the start of a close personal friendship,” added Liam.
“He initially joined my team at the ‘Fáilte Sessions’, before moving on to the 'Liam O’Connor Shows' in the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Pat was my tour manager for 11 years. Together we toured South America, especially Brazil, as well as Ireland, Britain, Italy and other countries in Europe.”
Admission for the ‘Liam O'Connor Music Presents A Musical Night in Memory of His Good Friend Padraig Harnett’ costs €10. Tickets are available on the door but capacity is limited to three hundred people.