Ben’s X-Factor
Teenage singer/songwriter Ben Quinlan (pictured) will fly the Killarney flag in this year’s X-Factor where he will be hoping to impress Simon Cowell and co with his wonderful singing voice.
The 19-year-old from Woodlawn has made it through to the final 100 in Ireland – from an initial entry of over 2,000 – and he will be hoping to advance further at the next audition in a matter of weeks.
As well as having a superb singing voice, Ben is also a multi-talented musician and plays guitar, accordion and keyboards.
Ben, who performed one of his own songs to impress the preliminary audition judges, is currently working on an album to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
The former Killarney Community College student is available to perform at weddings and other events and can be contacted through his Facebook page or his own Youtube channel.
Michael visits
Killarney is playing host to thousands of young dancers who have flocked to the town for the World Irish Dance Championships this week but one star attraction that put them all in the shade was Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley.
He and his wife, Niamh, were spotted enjoying a tour of the shops on High Street at lunchtime this Thursday and they planned to pop into the big dance event at the INEC later in the afternoon.
Flatley is no stranger to Killarney and during his regular visits he enjoys dinner in a number of local restaurants and takes time to have a pint or two in his favourite local pub Jack C’s on High Street.
Field funding
A financial contribution of €10,000 towards the Barraduff Community Field project has been approved by Kerry County Council.
The important public amenity will greatly enhance everyday life in the close-knit community and it will provide a great focal point in the village, according to Cllr Brendan Cronin who made representations of the matter to county manager, Tom Curran, and head of finance Angela McAllen.
“I proposed that the council should do everything possible to help the project to get near completion. My council colleagues unanimously agreed with and supported my proposal, Cllr Cronin said.
Charity walk
A fundraising walk, in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, will take place this Friday in Killarney.
The event, in memory of popular local schoolteacher and artist Vivien O’Shea, who passed away last year, will commence with registration at the Garden Restaurant in Muckross House.
The 8km route will bring participants along Dinis and the spectacular Torc trail before returning to Muckross House. An alternative route will be available for those with young children or mothers with buggies.
Easter march
People in Killarney are being urged to attend an Easter Rising commemoration that will be held in Tralee on Sunday.
The event will commence at Denny Street at 12 noon and it will proceed to the Republican plot in Rath Cemetery where there will be readings of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and the Kerry Republican roll of honour.
Cllr Pa Daly will give the main oration and Cllr Cathal Foley will chair proceedings.
Airport event
Officials from Kerry Airport will hold an information meeting on future plans for the Farranfore facility in the Randles Court Hotel, Killarney on Monday, April 28.
The event will involve presentations from airport management, Tourism Ireland and airline representatives.
Members of key community organisations and business bodies have been invited to attend.
