Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series

Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and activities taking place across the town from September through December.

The initiative sees the community committee team up with local Champion Organisations to offer inclusive, adapted sessions for children, teenagers, and adults.
Funding from Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund supports the upcoming autumn and winter programme.
The series begins on Saturday, September 19, with an outdoor rock climbing day in the Gap of Dunloe organised alongside Roam Wild. The session offers dedicated teen and adult climbing slots designed to build confidence in a supportive setting.
In October, West End House will host a three-week series of inclusive classes on October 7, 14, and 21. Separate hourly sessions will run for teenagers aged 13 to 17, children aged 9 to 12, and adults aged 18 and over, with capacity capped at 10 participants per group.
The programme continues in November with creative art sessions at The Art House, before joining the wider Christmas in Killarney celebrations in December.
During the festive season, Autism Friendly Killarney will provide sensory and quiet spaces at the annual Christmas parades to assist attendees who find large crowds and noise challenging.
Organisers confirmed that further community partnerships are currently being planned for early next year.
Booking details for all events are managed directly through the individual partner venues, with places allocated on a first-come basis. Further information on upcoming sessions is available via the Autism Friendly Killarney website and social media channels.

A theatrical production bringing personal accounts from Gaza to local audiences will take place at The Gleneagle Club in Killarney on Thursday, September 24.

Organised by West Cork for Palestine and Killarney for Palestine, in collaboration with the West End School of Arts and The Gleneagle Club, The Gaza Monologues combines short spoken-word pieces with live musical compositions performed by actors and musicians from Cork and Kerry.

The production is directed by Skibbereen-based Palestinian theatre and film director Naser Al Swirki, adapting a concept originally created by the Ashtar Theatre in Ramallah in 2010.
Following the 60-minute performance, photographer Sally MacMonagle will chair a panel discussion featuring Mr Al Swirki alongside human rights campaigner, educator, and filmmaker Caoimhe Butterly.

Aid targeted for families and international charity
All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the charity Children Not Numbers and toward supporting displaced families in Gaza assisted by Killarney for Palestine.

Doors open at 7pm, with the performance starting promptly at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at €15, with the event suitable for attendees aged 12 and over. Booking details are available via tinyurl.com/BookGazaMTix.