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Reidys granted access in laneway dispute

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A Circuit Court Judge has this week granted a local business access to a laneway in a dispute between business people in Killarney.

Reidy’s Bar on Main St., needs access to the laneway as a fire escape to comply with fire officer regulations, the court in Killarney heard on Tuesday.

Barrister Elizabeth Murphy had sought an injunction on behalf of David Downey, and Kq Accommodation, a limited company, operating JM Reidy's to force the respondents Donal Culloty, Lynda Culloty, Sean Coyne & Company Limited of No 1 and 2 Main Street, and Gerald O'Sullivan of the Caragh Restaurant, at the corner of New Street and Main Street, to allow an emergency exit through a door which has a false front, onto Main Street.

Judge Terence O’Sullivan granted the interlocutory application - a holding mechanism until the issues are fully tried - because on balance there would be a level of inconvenience including a fire hazard.

Reidy’s was originally a sweet shop and small bar and is a protected structure, but in recent years has been transformed into “a super pub”, the court heard.

There was “a huge degree of dispute” with neighbouring businesses over the exit, the judge noted.

At one point the barrister for Sean Coyne and Co., and others, claimed the operators of Reidy’s, which has now grown to cater for 800 patrons, were “riding roughshod” over other users of the lane and had no right to the lane or the exit.

But Reidy’s had never abandoned the right of way via the laneway, barrister for Reidy's, Elizabeth Murphy said.

“We are not claiming ownership, but we are claiming a right of way,” Ms Murphy said.

Approaches from her clients to unblock access to allow exit “in the unlikely event of a fire”, had met with no meeting of minds, and the matter was being “savagely contested", Ms Murphy said.

She handed deeds dating to 1900 into court, showing the existence of the laneway.

She vigorously denied claims about lack of planning and licensing by the respondents.
Eliza Kelleher, barrister for the respondents, opposing the application, said the old Reidy's bar did not even have alcohol on tap.

“It was just cans and bottles and a gift shop alongside run by Michael’s sister Marie,” Ms Kelleher said.

Out the back were considerable yards and stables.

“But the extension by the company is such it now caters for 800 patrons on the premises. There are two bars in front and four in the stables and sheds out the back as well as two courtyards and an awning. The premises has been transformed from what it was originally.

“The fact is there has been a change, an utter change of use. There has been no application to extend the licence,” Ms Kelleher further claimed, which was denied.

And while the number of fire exits for the first extensions had been adequate "extra ,extra expansion" in 2018 had necessitated this further exit, she also said.

The court was told how inside Reidy’s there was a sign over a hefty door saying “Emergency Exit. Keep Clear at all times!” which was “like a Guinness sign”, the judge remarked.

The sign was erected by the pub operators and there was actually no-where to go since the gate was locked since the 1970s, when her clients redeveloped the site, and replaced the old gate, locking it, and in 1985 erecting a false front, Eliza Kelleher said.

Reidy’s did not have keys and Mr Sheehan had been a friend of Sean Coyne, now retired. They had golfed together and he had never sought a key or access, Ms Kelleher outlined.

The gates were there always and they had never been used, it was claimed.

Ms Kelleher said Reidy’s were “riding roughshod over the people in this lane".

Judge Terence O’Sullivan granted the interlocutory application until the issues are fully tried.

He said that the “readily openable door” from Reidy's ultimately onto Main Street to act as a fire escape will have to be allowed within seven days. A simple mechanism like a bar might do it, and Reidy’s offered to meet the expense.

There is to be a full and early court hearing.

 

 

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A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

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St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

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European title for Killarney handball star

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By Con Dennehy

Killarney handball star Owen Brosnan answered Ireland’s call at the weekend with a breathtaking display at the European One Wall Tour in London.

Currow native and Spa Killarney Handballer, Brosnan took on the best players in England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France and Israel and thanks to a superb display returned back to Kerry with a European gold medal following his phenomenal success in the Men’s C Plate competition.
Played at the Westway Sports Complex in London, more than 150 players took part in the competition on six indoor courts with Brosnan and his Killarney team colleague Tim Cronin playing 15 games over the two days. Following earlier round victories, Brosnan was paired with Tim Cronin in a Kerry dominated semifinal clash. This was an exciting high-octane game with both players producing a classic display of handball. Aces were hard fought with just one point separating both players at the end of a pulsating game. Brosnan advanced to the final on a 21-20 scoreline. “I was thrilled with my semifinal game. It was a hard-fought contest with all the training at the Spa GAA Hall helping me edge out a win. We train together and know each other strengths and weaknesses which added to the excitement of the occasion. We both teamed up in the Men’s B Plate Doubles competition reaching the semifinal where we were defeated by Matt Flapan and Gleb Spiridon, a USA/Israel combination,” said Owen.
Brosnan produced a superb display of fast paced handball in the Men’s C Plate final where his opponent was the highly fancied Josh Thomas from Wales. Using the court to his full advantage, the Killarney player produced a brilliant all-round performance to record a 21-18 victory and in the process his first major title.
“Naturally, I was delighted with the success. Both Tim and I started the sport by accident over 12 months ago when we attended an Open Family Day at Spa GAA Club. Brendan O’Donoghue, one of the founders of Spa Killarney Handball Club, was giving a demonstration of handball and invited us to try it out. We both enjoyed the experience and have been playing ever since. We are looking forward to the various domestic competitions over the coming months and really enjoy the training and fun element to the sport in the club.”

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