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Popular optometrist retires after 40 years

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RETIREMENT: Pat O'Donoghue outside Urban Optics. Photo: Michelle Crean

Eye’ll see you later!

Popular Killarney eye doctor, Pat O’Donoghue, has put away his eye testing equipment for good - as the third generation optometrist has officially retired - after over 40 years of service.
Since he announced the news well-wishes have been paid to Pat, who took over Urban Optics, a family business, in 1973.
His family have been in the optometry industry in Kerry for three generations, tracing back to the 1960s and have been providing a high level of eye care to Killarney and the wider Kerry area ever since.
Pat has overseen the expansion of Urban Optics, formerly named ‘Pat O’Donoghue, Optometrist’, including its relocation to Scotts Street in the town centre, where it has remained since 2007.
“Pat is rightly considered one of the leading optometrists in the country, through his commitment to consistently up-skilling and introducing the best and newest technologies to Urban Optics,” Sheila O'Sullivan, practice manager, said.
“His focus has always been on creating a business that is an integral part of the local community and he has certainly achieved that.
“I’m sure I speak for my fellow staff members, as well as the long list of customers that Pat has seen over the decades, when we wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”
Despite a recent change in ownership, all members of staff are staying on at Urban Optics.
And new owner Noeleen Loughlin, along with new optometrist Valerie Trant, have been welcomed to the practice by Pat himself.
“Noeleen comes to Urban Optics as a hugely experienced optometrist with a similar vision to my own. Having worked with her for the past year, I’m sure the practice is in good hands,” he said.
“We’re also very happy to welcome Valerie, and I’m sure, as a Killarney native, she will have no problem settling into the Urban Optics family.
“We could not have achieved such success without our wonderful and loyal patients, so I’d like to thank all of them for their support throughout my career in optometry.”

[caption id="attachment_25514" align="aligncenter" width="1960"] RETIREMENT: Valerie Trant, Noeleen Loughlin and Joanne Ni Churrain say goodbye to Pat O'Donoghue who has now retired.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_25515" align="aligncenter" width="1960"] GOODBYE: Staff at Urban Optics, Valerie Trant, Brid O'Callaghan, Joanne Ni Churrain, Siobhan Corridan, Noeleen Loughlin, Adrienne Walsh, Sheila O'Sullivan and Aisling O'Keeffe, say a final farewell to optometrist Pat O'Donoghue who has retired after 40 years service.[/caption]

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Musical Society announces production team for 2027 show ‘Sister Act’

Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act. The production will run from March 20 […]

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Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act.

The production will run from March 20 to 4 next year at the Gleneagle Arena, with details regarding upcoming auditions and ticket sales expected to be announced shortly.
Award-winning director Oliver Hurley, owner of the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, returns to take the helm for what will be his 16th production with the society.
Joining the team for the first time is choreographer Barbara Meany, who was recently awarded Best Choreographer (Gilbert Section) at the prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards.
Returning to lead the musical department is Jimmy Brockie, marking his fourth show as Musical Director for the society. Brockie will collaborate with a full live orchestra every night. Working alongside him is Sorcha O’Connor, who returns as Choral Mistress to rehearse and develop the vocal performances of the cast.
Newly appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Killarney Musical Society, Lisa Campbell said:
“With such a talented production team secured, everyone at Killarney Musical Society is incredibly excited to begin work on Sister Act. We are looking forward to bringing this uplifting, hilarious, and high-energy show to local audiences at the Gleneagle Arena in March 2027.”

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Rewild Festival organisers reveal expanded line-up for 2026 event

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Organisers of the Rewild Festival have unveiled the official details for the 2026 event, which returns to the old Dunloe Golf Course on July 11.

Building on the success of previous years, the festival has expanded its schedule to include early Friday camping on 10 July, transforming the event into a multi-day experience.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with storytelling, candlelit tales, fireside sessions, and two on-site saunas.

The event will also feature an Irish festival first, offering attendees the opportunity to experience being buried in mycelium.

Saturday features 15 live acts across the main stages, all-day DJ sets, and over 20 wellness workshops covering sound baths and breathwork.

The day’s activities also include a céilí on the hill, market stalls, educational talks, children’s entertainment, fire shows, and art installations.

Live music performances will continue through Sunday, 12 July until lunchtime.

A wide selection of regional food and drink vendors will be available on-site, featuring local businesses such as Muckross Ice Cream, The Black Sheep, and Pigs Lane.

The festival bar will serve draught beers from Killarney’s newest brewery, Loinnir Brewing.

Additionally, organisers have confirmed that if the Kerry GAA team plays during the weekend, the match will be broadcast live on a big screen.

Festival co-founder Kevin Leahy noted that the crew has thoroughly enjoyed watching the community grow.

“We’ve sold over 70% of tickets and expect to sell out, so we won’t be selling tickets on the gate,” Leahy stated.

Information and remaining tickets are available on the official website at www.rewildfestival.ie, and physical tickets can be purchased directly at the Black Sheep Hostel.

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