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Students create fairy magic in Deenagh

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FAIRY MAGIC: Students from Killarney Community College Lulu Healy and Luke O'Sullivan pictured with one of the new fairy houses.

By Michelle Crean

Children from Killarney and beyond will be thrilled to discover a magical new fairy trail in Deenagh which has just been unveiled by local students.

Just in time for the midterm break Killarney Community College students launched the 'Deenagh Fairy Trail' with fairy houses designed and created by art and TY students under the watchful eye of art teacher Michelle Mahony and TY co-ordinator Kerri McCarthy.

"Each of the houses is themed on our built and natural heritage," Kerri McCarthy said.

"The students, with Ms Mahony had the idea to create houses for fairies linked to places and themed around Killarney. This idea makes the pieces unique and one of a kind. The ideas started in late 2019 but the project was brought to a halt for some time due to school closures. Ms Mahony was delighted that students got right on task when they started back in September to complete this exciting project."

The materials used for the fairy houses is kept as natural as possible with tree trunks being the main material of construction along with slate and other stones, glass, copper, ceramic and finished off with brightly coloured paints. Each piece has its own theme, she added.

There are seven houses in total and the list are as follows: The Deenagh Fairy, The Waterfall Fairy, The Castle Fairy, The Coppermines Fairy, The Abbey Fairy, The Bricin Dinis Fairy and finally The Fairy of the Forest.

"It has been another wonderful opportunity for the students of Killarney Community College and Ms Mahony to work with Killarney Looking Good to create pieces to enhance the local environment and create a little magic for young and old alike."

Yvonne Quill Chairperson of the Looking Good Committee congratulated the students on such fantastic pieces, each house unique in its own right and with a clear link to heritage and cultural assets.

"This is the second project the students have undertaken in conjunction with the committee and we look forward to working together again in the future. A word of thanks as well to James Purcell who made the signs for each house. We look forward to the children of Killarney getting such joy from the trail."

The project was supported by Kerry County Councils Community Enhancement Programme through the Department of Rural and Community Development.

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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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