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Pedal power as community pull together for Grace

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By Michelle Crean

Not only did the sun come out on Saturday but the whole village - to support a local girl with a vision impairment.

Cyclists mounted their bikes and completed a number of routes while others volunteered to cook food, make tea and steward the 'Pedal for Grace' fundraiser for the National Council for the Blind (NCBI).

It was all part of an event to support 12-year-old Grace O’Sullivan who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease five years ago, which causes progressive sight loss.

Her parents, mom Mary and dad Canice O’Sullivan, are so grateful for the help from the charity that they organised the event at Firies Community Centre and were overwhelmed by the support.

The event entailed a 60km cycle for the more experienced cyclists, a 10km cycle which was aimed at families and a mini 1km for the little ones so that they too could play their part.

Marian Hall became the HQ with volunteers inside taking the registrations and making tea and coffe, Bernie Doe outside cooking burgers and Alan Finn from Radio Kerry acting as MC for the day.

"A huge number of cyclists travelled from near and far to support the event for Gracie," her mom Mary told the Killarney Advertiser.

"And after the cycle, each person received a beautiful 'Cycle for Light' medal. Later in the afternoon in Hendersons Bar Firies, cyclists, families and volunteers were treated to some amazing Irish dancing from Gracie and her friends under the watchful eye of their amazing music teacher Alice Chambers. The whole day from start to finish was a complete success."

Mary added that the family are "truly humbled" by the local support from the people of Firies and beyond and are now considering making it an annual event.

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Ladybirds seeking new members

The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division. Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive […]

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The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division.

Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive environment where young members are encouraged to reach their full potential through a mix of play, discovery, and community involvement.
As part of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), the mission of the branch is to enable girls and young women to develop into responsible citizens of the world. The Ladybirds programme specifically focuses on building confidence and teaching essential life skills. Participants engage in fun activities that help them develop a respect for the outdoors and learn to work effectively as part of a team.
Weekly meetings take place during the school term on Monday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. These sessions are held at the Presentation Monastery School on the New Road, providing a consistent and safe space for the girls to gather and learn.
A dedicated registration and information evening will be held on September 29th at 6:00 pm at the Presentation Monastery School. Organisers have noted that spaces within the Killarney branch are limited, so any parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend this session.
For further details on the enrolment process or the activities planned for the upcoming term, Maura Fitzgerald is available for inquiries at 087 7986958.

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Hermitage Green set for landmark St Mary’s Church concert

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The Wander Wild Festival, supported by Pig’s Lane, has confirmed that Irish trad-folk band Hermitage Green will headline a special concert as part of this year’s outdoor, culture, and wellness programme.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, a venue chosen for its unique atmosphere and stunning acoustics.

Known for an original instrumental arrangement that features the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo, the five-piece band is entering its 15th year with significant momentum.

Their 2024 album, Connection, showcased a broadened creative scope through collaborations with author Gregory David Roberts and artist Bobby Fingers, earning praise for its emotional storytelling and sonic ambition.

This recent success was mirrored on stage when the group closed the Rankin Woods Stage at Electric Picnic and followed it with a sold-out performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Doors for the St Mary’s Church of the Sloes event will open at 8:00 pm on April 18, with tickets currently available through the official festival booking platform.

The Wander Wild Festival itself runs from April 17 to 19 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, and Pig’s Lane.

With over 160 events scheduled across the weekend, the festival continues to establish Killarney as a leading destination for adventure and culture.

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