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Sound of summer hits the high notes in Killarney thanks to Spraoi Chiarrai
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NOW entering its 13th season, Spraoi Chiarrai is tuning up to entertain audiences yet gain this summer with a selection of free concerts both indoor and outdoor.
Spraoi Chiarrai is an Irish traditional performance collective based in Killarney presenting the finest young performers in traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling.
Open to all, this free family entertainment will take place in two venues in the town – the already established venue of St Mary’s Church of Ireland and new for this year the outdoor concerts will take place at the wonderful environs of Killarney House & Gardens.
Additional concerts this year will include Puck Fair, Killorglin, August 10 to 12.
Spraoi Chiarraí’s popular “In Concert” performances will take place in St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Main Street, Killarney, at 8pm on June 10 and 24, July 22, August 5 and 26.
The live outdoor concerts or “Trip To The House” will take place outdoors at Killarney House & Gardens at 2pm on July 8 and August 19. All events take place on a Saturday. “The aims of Spraoi Chiarrai are to showcase our local young Irish traditional talent,” said Spraoi Chiarrai organiser Tim O’Shea of Tim O’Shea & Friends.
“Spraoi Chiarrai also aims to mentor and provide a platform for young performers to experience a real high profile concert setting, to hone their performance skills and work as a team, to celebrate local traditional performance culture of the South West, and to offer a free quality, family, cultural experience for locals and visitors to Killarney over the summer months.”
The collective also strives to open new quality venues in Killarney for Irish traditional performance, he added. “I am delighted to be bringing this fantastic free concert to the people of Killarney and its visitors. Spraoi Chiarrai is a great opportunity to experience first-hand the emerging young talent in the traditional music genre within the county of Kerry.”
Paul O’Neill, president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, paid tribute to the work of Tim O’Shea. “Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce is delighted to support Spraoi Chiarrai as it dovetails with our own mission of enhancing the visitor experience of Killarney during the summer months,” said Mr O’Neill.
The Spraoi Chiarrai season kicks off with the opening free concert on Saturday, June 10, at St Mary’s Church of Ireland Main Street Killarney commencing at 8pm sharp.
Above: Launching Spraoi Chairrai at Killarney House were Micheal O Se and Tim O’Shea (Spraoi Chairrai organiser) in front, with Paul O’Neill (President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce), Brid O'Shea and Cllr Brendan Cronin (Mayor of Killarney). Back from left are Canon Brian Lougheed, Kieran Healy, Reverend Simon Lumby, St Mary's Church of Ireland, Killarney, Pat Dawson, NPWS regional manager, and Gavin Miller (St Mary's Church of Ireland). Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Wallace Arnold coach drivers return to Killarney
A group of 26 former coach drivers, wives, and friends from the Wallace Arnold tour company returned to Killarney over a recent weekend.
The group travelled from Holyhead to Dublin in a restored Wallace Arnold coach, staying at the Killarney Towers Hotel for three nights.
During the visit, the group drove the vintage coach to local landmarks, including Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Muckross House, before returning to town ahead of the Kerry versus Donegal match. The itinerary also included a trip around the Ring of Kerry.
The trip allowed the former drivers to reconnect and reminisce about their years touring Ireland. Organiser Bob Adams said that the vintage coach drew attention from local residents along the route.
The group noted the absence of several former colleagues who could not travel due to health reasons, including veteran driver Hilton Caldwell who is well known in Killarney.
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