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Vatican Pimpernel strides centre stage in Killarney

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Killarney actor Donal Courtney dressed as Msgr Hugh O'Flaherty (the Vatican Pimpernel) striding through St Brendan's College ahead of performing his own one man show on the famed monsignor in the INEC Killarney on Kerry Culture night September 16. The actor held a prelude of his show for transition students in the college on Monday. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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KILLARNEY actor Donal Courtney strode through the corridors of St Brendan’s College today as he portrayed one of the college’s most illustrious past pupils, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty. Donal presented his one-man show based on the life of the monsignor to transition year students in the college as a prelude to his show at the INEC this Friday evening.

Known as the Vatican Pimpernel, Monsignor O’Flaherty and his colleagues saved over 6,500 lives during World War Two.

His fellow Killarney native Donal Courtney will perform the play God Has No Country at the INEC Acoustic Club on Friday, September 16. The performance is part of the national programme of events for Culture Night 2016 and admission is free.

God Has No Country tells the story of the struggles encountered by Kerryman Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his colleagues in Rome during the Second World War. The story follows O’Flaherty’s torment as he decides to act in defence of those suffering under the tyranny of the fascists.

The play also reflects on his upbringing and education in Killarney and how joining the priesthood protected him from involvement in The War of Independence. Told with humour and sensitivity, God Has No Country brings the heroic deeds and achievements of this extraordinary man to a wider audience.

The performance is followed by a post-show discussion between writer Aidan O’Connor and creator of the show Donal Courtney. Donal will discuss his personal connections to the story, the challenges faced in creating the piece and various other insights into the Hugh O’Flaherty story.

Culture Night is brought to you by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in partnership with Kerry County Council. Tickets for God Has No Country are free of charge but must be reserved by phoning the INEC Box Office on 064-6671555. Doors open at 7pm and the play commences at 8pm.
 


 
Killarney actor Donal Courtney dressed as Msgr Hugh O'Flaherty (the Vatican Pimpernel) striding through St Brendan's College ahead of performing his own one man show on the famed monsignor in the INEC Killarney on Kerry Culture night September 16. The actor held a prelude of his show for transition students in the college on Monday.
PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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