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Sunday Solstice on The Paps of Anú

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Celebrating this year's Winter Solstice will take place on Sunday, December 18 in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care.

SOLSTICE: Having a Sunday Solstice this year will allow people to travel and have time to savour the day. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

SOLSTICE PAST: Batty O’Sullivan (left) Rachael Cullen John O’Sullivan Paddy Lawlor Shanon Cullen and Mike Doherty Shane Dennehy and Chris Crowley previously enjoying the Winter Solstice on the summit of the Paps of Anú in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The astronomical calendar is getting closer to what is the shortest day of the year - on Wednesday, December 21 - but as it falls on a week day this year, organisers are planning to have a Sunday Solstice to allow people to travel and have time to savour the day.

These ancient sacred summits, ‘The Paps of Anú’, resemble a pair of breast shaped hills known as ‘The Paps’ in the Derry Na Saggart Mountains close to the Cork Kerry border. The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mysticism and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly, fertile, abundant and protective.

With kind permission of local landowners Sean and Mary O’Donoghue, Glenflesk, and neighbour Jimmy Moynihan, the walk departs from Garries Bridge - the first bridge after St Agatha’s Church, Glenflesk, meeting at 6.30am.

A long walk in darkness to the summit, it has two strenuous inclines, leading to the Western Pap at 690 metres. At approximately 8.45am sunrise and craic begins, with Glenflesk's finest musicians Derry and Rosie Healy, setting the pace for a Kerry polka set, followed by an ancient ceremonial blessing by another Glenflesk native, Mary Cronin. The trek will be led by expert mountaineer Donie Mulcahy and crew.

A donation of €20 will be collected on the morning of the walk. It is compulsory to bring a head torch, warm clothes, hiking boots, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, hat, food and a drink. A good level of fitness is required. Guides will be on duty for gear check before departure.

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Community College TY students become qualified baristas

School Dayz Transition Year students at Killarney Community College spent last Tuesday learning the skills to become baristas. They completed a full-day training course and are now qualified to make […]

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School Dayz

Transition Year students at Killarney Community College spent last Tuesday learning the skills to become baristas.

They completed a full-day training course and are now qualified to make coffee, which could make them very employable in local cafes and restaurants this summer.
Their teachers, who are described as the school’s “resident coffee experts,” were impressed with the students’ hard work and enjoyed the lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos the students made throughout the day.
In addition to their barista training, the TY students also took a trip to Mallow. There, they learned about the rules of the road, practiced the driver theory test, and many got behind the wheel of a car for the first time. They also learned about the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

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Rising stars Amano and Lillie Foley to share stage in ANAM

Two of Killarney’s rising musical talents, Amano and Lillie Foley, are set to perform their first ever joint headline concert at the ANAM Cultural Centre. Singer-songwriter and sean nós singer […]

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Two of Killarney’s rising musical talents, Amano and Lillie Foley, are set to perform their first ever joint headline concert at the ANAM Cultural Centre.

Singer-songwriter and sean nós singer Amano will bring her ‘Mythilligocial Meitheal Tour’ home for a special live performance of both her contemporary and traditional music.

Joining her on the night is local rising star Lillie Foley, making it a special event to celebrate two young Killarney songwriters making their mark on the Irish music scene. The event is supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office.

Amano, described by Hot Press in 2024 as an “idiosyncratic talent” is comfortable performing in both English and Irish, draws influences from alt-folk, R&B, and traditional sean-nós singing.

Her project THREAD was nominated for Irish language Album and Song of the year at the Gradaim Nós in 2024.

Her recent singles, ‘Burn’ and ‘The Birthing House’, have received airplay on RTÉ Radio 1, Radio Kerry, and Raidió na Life.

Lillie Foley, a 22-year-old singer who recently graduated from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with a BA in Voice, has released two debut singles in 2025, ‘Someday’ and ‘That’s Life’, which blend pop, soul, and folk genres.

The event is supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office.

The concert will take place on May 23, at the ANAM Cultural Centre in Killarney, starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are available from €15 plus a booking fee on Ticketpass.org.

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