News
Restored 1930s movie to be screened for charity
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
Ireland’s first talking feature length movie - written and directed by Killarney man Tom Cooper in 1936 - will be screened at Killarney Cinema from today (Friday).
‘The Dawn’ is a story of the Irish War of Independence and was shot entirely in Killarney with the cast made up of local people only.
The original reel was destroyed in the World War Two Blitz in London but the Cooper family were lucky to have a copy and they had it restored by Kerry ETB around five years ago.
CHARITY
Every few years they offer to show a film in aid of a local charity to help them with fundraising.
Tommy Copper’s grandaughter Kathrine Cronin is a volunteer member of HeartBeat Killarney, and as a result the movie will enjoy a week long stint at her family’s cinema, operated by the director’s grandson and Kathrine’s cousin Tommy, on East Avenue, from September 3 to 9.
“We will only show this film in Killarney and will only do it for charity,” Kathrine told the Killarney Advertiser.
Tommy Copper was a man ahead of his time and his prime motive in making the film was to showcase Killarney as a tourism destination.
“He was always in England promoting the town and that is where he bought the camera,” added Kathrine. “They made their own tripod out of an axle from a car. My sister, Michelle Cooper-Galvin, still has it.”
HeartBeat Killarney president Billy O’Sullivan is looking forward to watching the movie. He remembers previous generations of his family talking about the film and some of his family even starred in it.
“Everything was done on a shoestring, it was filmed right across the street from the cinema,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “The whole town was involved as extras but nobody wanted to play a Black and Tan.”
The audience will be limited to just 50 people for each viewing.
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.
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