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Pubs cautiously optimistic ahead of Monday’s reopening

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REOPENING: Brigitte and Ellie Whelan, John C and Joan O'Shea pictured with Ginny the dog in their new 'cabús' as they prepare to reopen this coming Monday. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

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By Sean Moriarty

After six months closure one family run Killarney pub is both excited and apprehensive ahead of finally reopening their bar this coming Monday.

After many false starts, 'Wet Pubs' - those that do not serve food - will finally get the chance to reopen their doors next week.

Bar owners and customers will have to adjust to a new way of operating including having counter service replaced by table service, social distancing rules will have to observed, customers will have to remain seated, and strict closing times will be in operation.

Despite the new rules, implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, publicans across the town are looking forward to welcoming back customers for the first time since March.

John C O’Shea and his mother Joan are both excited and apprehensive to reopen Jack C’s on the top of High Street.

Joan has been behind the counter of the popular bar for the last 50 years and apart from obvious days like Christmas Day, Good Friday and family funerals, her bar has never been closed.

The O’Shea family took the decision to close their doors on Saturday, March 14, two days before the official Government announcement that closed all public houses at the start of the pandemic’s restrictions.

They have made a few noticeable changes to their bar as they prepare to welcome back their customers and friends.

These include a screen at the bar and sectioning off the seating areas.

Joan – ever the traditionalist – uses the Irish word 'cabús' to describe these new sections.

The word loosely translates into a snug or cubbyhole while the old US-English word caboose is a small train carriage, often used to house engineers and coupled to the rear of a large freight train.

“I can’t wait to meet everyone,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have spent the last six months saluting them on the street.”

John warned that while there are many restrictions facing pub owners, the onus is on the customer to follow the new guidelines too.

“The pubs will do their bit but it is up to customers to obey the rules too,” he said.

However, he said he won’t believe he is actually open until he sees customers on the premises.

Previous Government proposals included potential reopening dates in June, July and August and he remains cautiously optimistic that Monday’s date will remain on schedule.

“We have had the rug pulled from under us too many times in the past,” he said.

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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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