News
Punters have fun and a few flutters at Killarney Races
Up to 2,000 spectators had fun and a flutter over the weekend at Oktoberfest.
Emma Enright and her daughter Emma Enright at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Just chilling…Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ with Killian Broderick Listry taking stock of the form in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races Autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FIRST FLUTTER: Placing their first bet at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday from left: Kate McCarthy Amy Turner Majella Turner and Maggie Turner. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
John and Margaret O’Brien pictured at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Enjoying themselves at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday from left: Marie O’Donoghue Finton Quinn Ruth Quinn and Ann McMahon. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Action from the Nationwide Handicap Hurdle which was won by Elite Des Mottes at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Action from the Nationwide Handicap Hurdle which was won by Elite Des Mottes at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Praying for a winner… at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ and Jockey Liam Paige as Killian Broderick (left) Listry taking stock of the form in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Paul Sheahan (centre) son of the late Donie Sheahan after the poignant minute's silence in honour of his dad at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. With Paul were: Killarney Race Manager Philip O’Brien (left) and Chairman Killarney Race Course Gerald Coghlan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Joe Fitzgerald Abbeyfeale at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Joe Fitzgerald Abbeyfeale at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
A poignant moment at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday as a minutes' silence was afforded to the late great horse racing and sporting hero Donie Sheahan Main Street Killarney who passed away last week. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Racing gets underway at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday with St Mary’s Cathedral and TV crew in the background. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Emma Enright and her daughter Emma Enright at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Just chilling…Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ with Killian Broderick Listry taking stock of the form in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races Autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FIRST FLUTTER: Placing their first bet at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday from left: Kate McCarthy Amy Turner Majella Turner and Maggie Turner. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
John and Margaret O’Brien pictured at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Enjoying themselves at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday from left: Marie O’Donoghue Finton Quinn Ruth Quinn and Ann McMahon. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Action from the Nationwide Handicap Hurdle which was won by Elite Des Mottes at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Action from the Nationwide Handicap Hurdle which was won by Elite Des Mottes at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Praying for a winner… at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Irish National Hunt jockey Brian Cooper chilling out before racing ‘Nataniel’s Dream’ and Jockey Liam Paige as Killian Broderick (left) Listry taking stock of the form in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Paul Sheahan (centre) son of the late Donie Sheahan after the poignant minute's silence in honour of his dad at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. With Paul were: Killarney Race Manager Philip O’Brien (left) and Chairman Killarney Race Course Gerald Coghlan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Joe Fitzgerald Abbeyfeale at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Joe Fitzgerald Abbeyfeale at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
A poignant moment at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday as a minutes' silence was afforded to the late great horse racing and sporting hero Donie Sheahan Main Street Killarney who passed away last week. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Racing gets underway at the Killarney Races autumn festival on Sunday with St Mary’s Cathedral and TV crew in the background. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
The action took place at Killarney Racecourse with COVID-19 protocols swiftly amended on Thursday following updated advice from Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) in time for the weekend's action.On Saturday and Sunday, for the first time since 2019, tickets sales at the gate were permitted and walk-up patrons who were also facilitated.Races took place on Saturday at 1.25pm and at 1.10pm on Sunday with ‘Robyndeglory’ declared the winner of the Irish EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.There was also a poignant moment on Sunday as a minute's silence was held for the late great horse racing and sporting hero, Donie Sheahan, Main Street, who passed away recently.To see more, check out Valerie O'Sullivan's photos.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026...
Innovation Centre marks 25 years
Innovation Centre marks 25 years The Killarney Technology and Innovation Centre (KTIC) is celebrating 25 years of supporting local business...
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish
Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish Following the recent celebration of significant wedding anniversaries in St Joseph’s Church,...
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success
Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success Organisers of Oireachtas na Samhna have confirmed that the...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
