News
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
News
Students awarded for their contribution to school life
By Michelle Crean Students were honoured for their contribution to school life this week during a special end of year awards ceremony. Held in the school gym on Wednesday afternoon, […]

By Michelle Crean
Students were honoured for their contribution to school life this week during a special end of year awards ceremony.
Held in the school gym on Wednesday afternoon, the students from St Brigid’s Presentation were presented with a variety of awards from sport to science, music and visual art while Sixth Year student Saoirse Coffey received the Orla Benson Award.
“During this school year, our students have showcased their brilliance and extensive talents,” teacher Adrienne Brosnan, said.
“We are all so proud of these outstanding achievements across all aspects of school life. Awards day is a truly special occasion for all members of the St Brigid’s community and one which we relish the opportunity to celebrate. It is a time of anticipation, a time of excitement and a time of great joy. The awards that are presented are a testament to that dedication and we also acknowledge all the great work that is done by the teachers here in St Brigid’s.”
Sixth Year students also said their final goodbyes ahead of their State exams next month.
“We wish them the best of luck as they spread their wings and leave the shelter of St Brigid’s for the beginning of a new adventure.”
AWARD WINNERS
Other awards winners were:
Anna Dunlea received the Contribution to Graphics award while Leah Vinluan got the Design and Communication Graphics award.
Clodagh O’Connor and Sarah O’Sullivan both received the Contribution to Visual Art award.
Abbie Finan was awarded Soccer: Player of the Year, Chloe Hue Senior Football: Player of the Year, Emily Buckley 1st Year Football: Player of the Year, Abbey Cronin 2nd Year Football: Player of the Year, and Andrea Murphy Junior Football; Player of the Year, Senior Basketball: Most Valued Player went to Tara Donnellan, the Minor Basketball: Most Valued Player was given to Ciara O’Sullivan and the Cadette Basketball: Most Valued Player went to Leah McMahon.
Kara Huggard earned herself the LCA Student of the Year, Sarah McGrath received the CEIST Award, Excellence in Science was awarded to Emma Myers and Jennie O’Mahony, while Rita Akhter received the Overall Contribution to STEM.
Bríd O’Connor who wrote the book Spark presented Saoirse O’Sullivan with the Outstanding Achievements in Music award.
News
Businesses face closure due to staff shortages
Hospitality sector businesses might have to close a few days a week to off-set staff shortages. Fáilte Ireland last week launched a recruitment drive to attract part-time workers into hospitality […]

Hospitality sector businesses might have to close a few days a week to off-set staff shortages.
Fáilte Ireland last week launched a recruitment drive to attract part-time workers into hospitality and tourism roles, where it is estimated that there is as much as a 40,000 shortage in such roles for the peak summer season.
Damien McCarthy of HR Consultancy firm HR Buddy, founded in Killarney but now based in the RDI Hub in Killorglin, said that workers are losing out due to a more cashless society.
“Hospitality businesses may have to consider shutting their doors or decreasing their operational hours during the peak summer season as many businesses such as bars, restaurants, cafes, B&Bs and hotels are struggling to find staff for the demand. The industry is suffering over these few current weeks in particular as many part-time student workers are not available due to college and Leaving Cert exams. This shows how dependant the industry has become on young student workers,” he said.
“Many service industry workers choose part-time or casual work in hospitality roles because of the tip bonus, but this has even been impacted negatively now as most tips are taxed because they are coming in electronically. The worker is losing out and this key attraction tool that existed when we were a more cash orientated society in pre-pandemic times, is now gone.”
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