Members of The Gleneagle Concert Band have been cast in a major Hollywood movie currently filming in West Cork.

The WWII biopic is inspired by Hollywood legend James Stewart’s life, highlighting his time as a combat pilot after putting his entertainment career on hold to join the U.S. Army Air Corps.
It’s set to be the biggest film production filmed in Ireland this year, with a U.S. release scheduled for November 2026.

Band Musical Director Vincent Condon said the opportunity came about through a mix of curiosity and perfect timing.

“I read that a major film was being shot in West Cork and got in touch to see if they needed a band. Wartime movies often feature military bands, and they were delighted that I reached out. The film required an all-male band under 25, which is historically accurate. Filming took place at the start of October, and it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch described the experience as unforgettable.

“The band was excellent. We did everything asked of us with no fuss, and it was amazing to see how a major movie comes together. In a year or so, we’ll be able to sit in the cinema with our families and point to the screen saying, ‘We were part of that!’”

This latest experience follows the band’s highly successful summer tour to Seville and Gibraltar, where they performed alongside the Midleton Concert Band beneath Seville’s spectacular Las Setas structure. The trip marked the band’s eighth international tour, continuing a proud tradition of representing Killarney abroad.

With opportunities ranging from international tours to movie sets, the Gleneagle Concert Band continues to give its members unique and creative musical experiences both at home and overseas.

Anyone interested in joining the band or enrolling for instrumental lessons is encouraged to get in touch on 087 222 9513.

Holy Family NS Rathmore, Raheen NS, Meentogues NS and Shrone NS have teamed up with three other schools on the Cork side of the border to launch an innovative project called Agree to Agree.

This is a community wide effort to help families navigate the challenge of children and technology.

The initiative encourages parents of primary school pupils to make a voluntary pledge around healthy technology use at home.

For younger pupils, this includes keeping children smartphone-free, following age-appropriate guidelines for games and apps, and staying off social media during primary school years.

For older pupils who may already own phones / devices, the project suggests practical steps such as reducing screen time, keeping phones out of bedrooms, avoiding age-inappropriate apps, and learning about digital citizenship and online safety.

In the coming weeks, children will bring home information packs and families will have the chance to sign the voluntary agreement. Two parent webinars are already scheduled for October 26 and February 26.

This Pilot was funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the then Minister of Education and Skills – Norma Foley TD. Schools were invited to participate through Tralee Education Support Centre Director, Terry O’Sullivan.

The other participating schools are Ballydesmond NS, Kiskeam NS, and Knocknagree NS.