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VAT reduction a welcome but essential move

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has hailed the Budget 2021 provision to reduce VAT for tourism from 13.5% to nine percent as very positive and welcome - but stressed that it was an absolutely essential decision that had to be made in the circumstances.

Chamber President, Paul Sherry, said the fact that the revised rate will come into force on November 1 and will remain in place until December 2021 is encouraging and it puts the building blocks in place to allow the devastated tourism industry to begin what will undoubtedly be a slow and difficult recovery from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is really good news for our hotels, guesthouses and all others involved in tourism which is Killarney’s lifeblood,” he said.

"The saving will be passed on to customers and, hopefully, it will help to attract more people to visit and socialise in the town and the county of Kerry where the welcome mat is always at the door and where tourism is our proven speciality."

The Chamber has also welcomed the new scheme for businesses which closed because of COVID-19 with the Government to make a payment, to a maximum of €5,000 per week, based on 2019 average weekly turnover.

The scheme is effective from now until the end of March next year with the first payments due in mid-November. It will operate while Level 3 restrictions are in place and it will cease when they are lifted but if restrictions are extended, a subsequent claim can be made.

“Overall, in a very difficult year for everybody, with unprecedented pressures, there was much to welcome and some real nuggets of good news in Budget 2021. We in Chamber were particularly pleased with the €55 million for a tourism business support scheme, €5 million for tourism product development and the forward-thinking but essential move that will result in commercial rates being waived for remainder of 2020."

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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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