Muireann Mulvihill, a talented young animator from Lawlor’s Cross, achieved major success at the 2026 Animation Dingle Festival.

Her short film, Anam, created alongside collaborator Ailbhe Fearon at IADT Dún Laoghaire, became one of the most decorated entries in the history of the prestigious event.
The film was selected from 108 international entries and went on to win seven awards out of nine nominations. The accolades included Best Irish Student, Best Writer, Best Art Direction, Best 2D Animation, Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, and the Best Irish Language Award.
As a qualifying festival for the Student Academy Awards, the wins at Animation Dingle provide a significant platform for the Killarney native. Festival Director Maurice Galway noted the high standard of work on display, highlighting the creativity of emerging artists currently shaping the future of Irish storytelling.
Muireann’s achievement follows a period of significant artistic success for Killarney natives on the global stage, including recent Academy Award recognition for actress Jessie Buckley. This latest success at one of Europe’s leading animation festivals marks a major milestone for the Lawlor’s Cross animator as she enters the professional industry.

Soul legend Billy Ocean announced for Gleneagle Arena

Music icon Billy Ocean is set to perform at the Gleneagle Arena, Killarney, on Thursday, September 17. One of Britain’s most successful recording artists, the singer brings a career spanning decades and a catalogue of global hits to the local stage.

With over 30 million records sold worldwide, Ocean is best known for a string of number-one tracks and timeless pop classics. Fans can expect a set-list featuring staples such as ‘Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)’, ‘Red Light Spells Danger’, ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’, and the chart-topping ‘When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going’.
His contribution to the industry was formally recognised in 2020 when he was awarded an MBE for services to music. His other major accolades include a Grammy Award, an Ivor Novello, and a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. His return to the live circuit has been met with critical acclaim, with his performances noted for maintaining the energy and vocal strength of his early career.
Tickets for the Killarney show are priced from €59.85. They go on official sale this Friday, 27 March, at 10 am. Bookings can be made through the venue website at www.gleneaglearena.ie or via the box office.