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Time for a new stage as Fiona’s students move on
FAREWELL: Roisin Chambers, pictured with Fiona Crowley, receiving a parting gift after graduating from the Fiona Crowley Stage School. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
By Michelle Crean
For years they have been learning how to tread the boards, enjoying singing and dance lessons as well as honing their acting skills.
But for some it was time to make way for a new stage in their lives and say goodbye to the Fiona Crowley Stage School as they graduated last week and prepare for college life.
Their teacher Fiona Crowley, who has taught them since they were very young was sad to see them go as she gave them a gift from the Kilkenny Shop and wished them well.
"I wish them well for the future," Fiona told the Killarney Advertiser.
"They will never be gone as they are always part of the Fiona Crowley Stage School."
Fiona founded her business 13 years ago, she has been acting since the age of four and has played leading roles with Killarney Musical Society over the years.
Working with Fiona Griffin and Stella O'Shea, she said they are like a family who nurture the children's talents and personalities. She runs her classes in the KDYS in Killarney as well as other centres in Kerry and says her summer camps are now booked out.
SAYING GOODBYE
Student Brendan Casey joined the stage school at a young age thanks to some encouragement from his nana Peggy.
"She said to Fiona when I was six-years-old "will you take him" as she dropped my sister Saoirse off to Irish dancing at the KDYS. I have enjoyed every minute.”
Roisin Chambers spent many summers with Fiona helping with her summer camps.
"The confidence and guidance at the stage school has given me focus to be a teacher and I will be attending Mary I next September."
Sarah Trant said attending the classes felt like "home".
“It’s the friends we make along the way as well as the guidance Fiona gives, that’s what I will miss the most. It’s somewhat home.”
Shauna White will miss the "absolute buzz" of Fiona’s shows and "the camaraderie of like minded people at the stage school”.
Usher Titus added that going to stage school was the obvious choice as she loved singing and performing as a child.
"At Fiona’s Stage School I was acknowledged and enjoyed the confidence being with like minded people and the encouragement they gave. I am so grateful to Fiona and I will miss stage school lots.”
Fiona added that this year's farewell was different to other years.
"Normally we have a party but this year we had to have it on Zoom. The other kids wrote poems as well."
Killarney hotels achieve top global rankings in Readers’ Choice Awards
Two leading Killarney hotels are celebrating major international accolades following the publication of the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Killarney Royal Townhouse was named the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in the US edition of the global awards, securing top placement among the country’s finest properties based entirely on votes cast by international travellers.
Pat McGrath, General Manager of Killarney Royal Townhouse, expressed his pride in the achievement:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. To receive this recognition directly from travellers makes it particularly special, and we are immensely proud of our team, whose genuine care, warm welcome and attention to detail shape the guest experience every day.”
Meanwhile, sister property The Killarney Park achieved a double success in this year’s voting, earning inclusion across both Atlantic editions of the prestigious travel guide. The family-owned venue was ranked No. 8 in the US Readers’ Choice Awards and No. 5 in the UK Readers’ Choice Awards.
The annual awards represent one of the travel industry’s longest-running honors, with almost 800,000 readers submitting votes to rate their favorite global travel experiences.
Marcus Treacy, Managing Director of The Killarney Park, welcomed the dual honors:
“Recognition such as this means a great deal to us because it comes directly from the people who have spent their time with us. As a family-owned hotel, knowing that what we have created here in Killarney continues to resonate with guests travelling from around the world is something we are enormously proud of.”
The strong showing by both local venues underlines Killarney’s standing as a world-class hospitality hub for international visitors.
Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s
World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.
The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.
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