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Solutions sought to save Celtic Steps

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POSSIBLE SOLUTION: David Rae, owner of Celtic Steps, is hoping to apply for planning permission to save the show and 30 jobs. Photo: Francis Foley

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

The operators of Celtic Steps say they are hopeful that a solution can be found to safeguard its future after Killarney Racecourse was refused planning permission to host concerts and other events.

 

The popular Irish dance show has taken place at the Jim Culloty Suite on the racecourse grounds since 2015.

 

Celtic Steps is staged at the venue between April and October and its performances regularly attract 400 spectators. 30 dancers and musicians’ jobs are at risk following the recent planning decision by an An Bord Pleanála.

 

The board refused planning as some locals had complained about the high levels of noise coming from the venue with some events reportedly running until after 1am.

 

However, David Rae, owner of Celtic Steps, who leases the premises from Killarney Racecourse, hopes to apply for permission directly to continue running the show at the venue. As such it was the Killarney Racecourse Company that was denied planning and Rae believes that by going on his own he could be allowed overcome the issues.

 

He will apply for a strict time slot (8.30pm to 10.15pm) and plans, at his own expense, to install additional soundproofing measures at the venue.

 

“We have been in consultation with all concerned parties,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is all due process but we are hopeful that everyone will be satisfied with the solutions we will offer.”

 

Rae and his team will meet with planning officials next Tuesday where he will put forward his plans to save the popular show and 30 jobs.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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