News
Don’t let Christmas in Killarney be cancelled
A
AN APPEAL is being made to ensure the future of the Christmas in Killarney festival, Killarney Advertiser can exclusively reveal.
Matters are in “dire straits” in the words of Kate O’Leary of the Christmas in Killarney committee. Kate made an impassioned plea for support for the festival at a Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce business networking lunch today. “If we manage to get the same amount of local sponsorship this year that we got last year, the only thing that we will be able to do is hang lights over the town; there will be no big parade, no parade every Saturday,” she told Killarney Advertiser. “We are in a dire situation.”
Committee members devoted in excess of 60 hours last year to trying to secure sponsorship, said Kate. She is appealing to businesses, schools and families to get behind Christmas in Killarney. “It is a month-long festival and it definitely has the biggest crowd-drawing power of any of our festivals,” she said. “To even contemplate Christmas in Killarney without the Christmas in Killarney festival is unbearable, it’s unthinkable.”
So what can be done? “At worst we need to raise €30,000 just to cover expenses that have rolled over from year to year,” said Kate. “At best we need to raise €90,000.”
The value of the festival and the return on investment in it must be “weighed up” against other sponsorship demands, she added. “You’re talking 7,000 people out on the streets on the night of the big parade and up to 4,000 people on the nights of the other parades,” she said.
Kate added: “The bottom line is we have to hold on to the festival. We have volunteers willing to do the work but we can’t magic up the money.” To help support the event, you can contact 087-2446131.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE ON TUESDAY WHEN WE WILL BROADCAST AN INTERVIEW WITH KATE O'LEARY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY FESTIVAL
Above: A scene from the Christmas in Killarney Magic Parade during last year’s Christmas in Killarney festival. Pic: Valerie O’Sullivan
Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.
The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.
News
Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place
Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]
Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre
Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to...
Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place
Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of...
Jordan Lee selected for Ireland’s Para Athletics relay team
Jordan Lee selected for Ireland’s Para Athletics relay team Killarney Valley AC has celebrated another historic milestone following the selection...
KIFF Film Club to screen Gerry Adams documentary
KIFF Film Club to screen Gerry Adams documentary The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) Film Club continues its monthly series...
Members of the Killarney Racegoers Club pictured at Linehan’s Bar for the presentation of a €2,000 cheque to the Kerry Hospice Foundation
GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION: Members of the Killarney Racegoers Club pictured at Linehan’s Bar for the presentation of a €2,000 cheque to...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
