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‘Safe Streets’ to be extended until Easter

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By Sean Moriarty

The ‘Safe Streets’ programme and concurrent road closures in Killarney town centre are set to continue until at least next Easter.

Safe Streets was introduced by Killarney Municipal Council in July to allow ‘social distancing’ on the town’s streets as part of an effort to reopen the town following the first COVID-19 lockdown.
It was further extended in September to allow for an anticipated strong footfall and an increase in visitor numbers before and after Christmas.

The ‘Safe Streets’ plan includes the permanent pedestrianisation of Plunkett St and Kenmare Place and the widening of several town centre footpaths and the cost of about 50 car parking spaces.
The plan divided the elected members of Killarney Municipal Council with some claiming it is a covert attempt to introduce full-time pedestrianisation to the town without a proper public consultation. Others say the plan enhances the town centre and helps promote the town as a tourist destination.
This is outside of a long-running row on the previous arrangement to pedestrianise Plunkett St from 7pm to 7am every day.

At Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal Council, town manager Angela McAllen revealed that the ‘Safe Streets’ programme will be extended for another four months to include the double Bank Holiday Easter Weekend which falls on April 3 to April 5 next year.
“Why four months? Easter is a very busy part of the year for Killarney,” she told the meeting. “This can be reviewed in the event that we don’t need it.”

In a move different to previous ‘Safe Streets’ closures, KMD will be inviting submissions from the public. An invitation to participate in the public consultation will be published in the Killarney Advertiser in early December where members of the public will find details on how to submit their own proposals for the ‘Safe Streets’ programme.

Public consultation welcomed

The public consultation process has been welcomed by Cllr Maura Healy-Rae.
She raised a motion at Wednesday’s meeting asking Kerry County Council to liaise with town centre retailers, but particularly Plunkett St traders ahead of a future extension of the ‘Safe Streets’ programme.
“It was like a foreign tourist destination there during the summer, and I am not talking about the positive connotations of a tourist resort,” she told the meeting. “We need to look at it so it doesn’t favour one type of business over another.” KMD confirmed that the public would be invited to make submissions.

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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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