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Presidential salute for Cathal and Amy

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President Michael D. Higgins and patron of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) meets DSI members Cathal Griffin (Glenbeigh, Co Kerry), Amy Purcell (Newbridge, Co Kildare) and DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.

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KERRY native Cathal Griffin was delighted to get the chance to meet President Michael D. Higgins this week. Cathal, from Glenbeigh, was representing Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) together with Amy Purcell, from Newbridge, Co Kildare.
President Higgins, who is a patron of Down Syndrome Ireland, was introduced to Cathal and Amy along with DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.
Both Cathal and Amy attended the event following their input in the organisation’s My Opinion My Vote education programme, which is a two-year course aimed at empowering people with Down syndrome through active citizenship and participation in elections. As part of the course, the two have studied the EU and visited Brussels.
The two are also members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council, a nationally elected body that represents the voice of people with Down syndrome in Ireland.
Cathal said: “I like doing the My Opinion My Vote course. I do the course every Friday at the IT in Tralee. Basically it is all about politics and the politicians in Ireland and in Europe. We learn about political issues like education, employment and justice….things like that. It is good really to know these things.”
Amy added: “I do the My Opinion My Vote course every Monday in Naas. I really love learning about politics in Ireland and in Europe. Meeting politicians is good and the trips to visit the Dáil and the European Parliament in Brussels last year were the best. I understand all about politics now and I definitely say to people it is really important to vote. Ask the questions and make up your own mind.”
 


 
President Michael D. Higgins meets Down Syndrome Ireland members Cathal Griffin (Glenbeigh, Co Kerry), Amy Purcell (Newbridge, Co Kildare) and DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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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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