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The Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes means a lot of things to a lot of people.

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By Sean Moriarty 
Photos by Dylan Clifford 

For those of us that love it, the event is our Christmas and St Patrick’s Day all rolled into one.

It brings a massive early-season tourist boost, not just to the town, but to the smaller towns and villages that the event passes through too.

There is no doubt that Rathmore and Gneevequilla were busier than usual last Sunday and the small village of Ardgroom, on the Beara Peninsula was particularly busy last Saturday.

This year’s event was particularly poignant. It was the first Irish rally since the passing of Craig Breen, he would have wanted the show to go on and while it was a difficult milestone for competitors, organisers and fans, it was one that needed to be crossed with dignity and compassion.

His long-time co-driver Paul Nagle, the same man who guided him to success on the 2019 Rally of the Lakes and the 2021 Killarney Historic spoke of his fallen rally brother at the event’s opening ceremony on Friday.

Despite an estimated crowd of about 2,000 people, the respectful silence offered to Paul as he spoke was a testament to how much Craig Breen was loved and admired in Killarney.

The Saturday action centred on the Beara Peninsula. The area is equally loved and feared by drivers.

The breath-taking scenery,for once, took second place to equally draw dropping action and pace.

The crowds were out in force on Sunday, the famous Gortnagne stage was lined from start to finish with people. The farming area was more akin to Croke Park as the glorious sunshine brought both fans and curious locals out in their droves.

A massive crowd turned out for the finish ramp at the Gleneagle Hotel too. They were there to welcome hometown hero Noel O’Sullivan who won the rally for the second time.

Some people love the rally, some don’t but each and every person, from marshalls, to fans, service mechanics to competitors each left a lot of money in the town.

Long life the rally, its value is not to be underestimated, and without a traditional Munster final football match this weekend, the rally’s financial boost will have to stretch across two weekends at least.

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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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