Eoin Murphy and comedian Zach Buggy at the comedy night in the Abbey Inn on Thursday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
THE first night of Kerry’s newest and only comedy club, The KY Comedy Alternative, took place in the Abbey last Thursday night.
The night saw sets from ten comedians, some from Kerry, some from Limerick and one from Mayo. Despite some issues with sound, the night was a roaring success and €221.49 was raised for Tralee Soup Kitchen.
Continued below…
“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who came out to our first night last night, the night proved to be an absolute blast I’m so thankful to all the great and wonderful comics who came along on the night as well as The Abbey Inn and their staff,” said organiser, Seamus Kelly.
The show was recorded by the girls from SocialBoxTV – expect videos to start appering online soon.
Carol O’Sullivan, organiser Seamus Kelly and Jen Hurley at the comedy night in the Abbey Inn on Thursday. Photo by Oscar BrophyLeanne Hannafin and Lucy Foley of Social Box TV at the comedy night in the Abbey Inn on Thursday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Singer-songwriter Amano performing in The Greyhound Bar in Tralee last year.
KERRY singer-songwriter Amano is to release her debut single “Skies” on April 24.
The Killarney resident, was recently named as one of Hot Press Magazine’s “Ones to Watch” for 2015.
The 19 year old had recently also been selected by Guinness Amplify’s expert panel as one of 22 out of 500 artists to receive time in one of Ireland’s top studios.
“This is all thanks to Guinness Amplify”, the singer said, “they covered the cost of most of the recording of this single which was just the greatest thing ever. Recording had been out of my reach financially for such a long time so it was a dream come true.”
“Skies” by Amano will be available to pre-order on iTunes on April 17 and officially released on April 24. Her next show will be at KFest in Killorglin on May 28.
You can hear her performing her song “Roads”, live in Coughlan’s Cork by clicking here.
Mary and Gerry Crean and Eileen and Mick Kennedy at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar Brophy
ON Wednesday night, The Castle Bar played host to a table quiz in aid of Inspired, the community project that aims to develop the employment, education and personal development skills of adults with intellectual disabilities.
One innovation of this particular table quiz was a method to curtail the, now institutional, practise of cheating by using the smartphone.
Continued below…
Each table had to place their phones into an envelope which was then collected and returned to them after the quiz.
The incentive to give up the phone? A voucher for a free pint.
Teams braved eight rounds of general knowledge, sports and picture rounds to try and win the top prize of €100.
Proceeds of the quiz went to Inspired. Check out their website, here.
Scroll down for photos…
John Rael, Mark O’Sullivan, Phillip Lynch and JD Heffernan at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar BrophyAoife Fitzmaurice, John Fitzgerald and Ryan Higgins at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar BrophyMairied and Margaret Glazier-Farmer, Brendan Farmer and Richard Bono at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar BrophyNiamh, Frankie, John and Denis O’Shea at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar BrophyThird place winners Kay McNamara, Grainne Hayes, Mike County, Samantha Locke and Bree Curtin at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar BrophyAlex Buhl, Jeremiah Naughton and Noelle McCoy at the table quiz in aid of ‘Inspired’ at The Castle Bar on Wednesday night. Photo by Oscar Brophy
THE Tralee band behind the singles “Go Betty” and “Star Sign Boy” played a gig in The Meadowlands on Friday night.
Q14 have been receiving a lot of airplay for their singles and they showcased more new material from their forthcoming debut album at the gig.
Fans and family were in attendence to show their support for the lads with special guests Chapter 2 and 12-year-old Guitar/Ukulele virtuoso Micheál Nix making sure the crowd was ready to dance and sing before Q14 took to the stage.
Scroll down for photos…
Paul O’Connor, Louise O’Connor, Hannah Ryan, Fiona O’Connor and Carmelita Ryan at the Q14 gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyQ14 pictured before their gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyClodagh Brosnan, Declan Clifford and Brendan Duffin at the Q14 gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyCiara and Patrick Kelly at the Q14 gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophySonia O’Sullivan and James Foley at the Q14 gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyVicky O’Sullivan, Kaydon O’Sullivan, Joseph O’Connor, James O’Connor, Kinga Grunau, Elaine O’Connor at the Q14 gig in The Meadowlands Hotel on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Anti-Eviction Taskforce protesors outside Tralee Courthouse on Thursday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
IF you were passing the courthouse on Thursday you may have seen people carrying a banner on the steps.
It was part of a protest by a Kerry group, called the ‘Anti-Eviction Taskforce’, against the repossession of people’s homes across the country.
Barry McCarthy of the Anti-Eviction Taskforce, told TraleeToday.ie that in February alone, “there were 3,006 repossession hearings in the country. From March 1 to March 19 there was 850 hearings in Munster alone. It’s an epidemic, a land grab of the highest order.”
“I believe it’s probably illegal anyway, the massive amount [of repossessions] they’re doing,” said Tom O’Donovan of the group.
He suggested a solution to the problem – “In Ireland we have a tradition that no one would buy a repossesed home or farm. If no one buys them said then what reason would the banks have to reposses them?”
Alternatively, he said that,”the Registrar suggested that maybe the county council could buy the houses from the banks at a reduced rate. Then let the people live in them and pay rent to the council.”
Aaron Hutchinson and Michal Wagner of the KDYS Live Band Project.
DEEP in the heart of the KDYS building on Denny Street, behind a locked door, in what may very well once have been a broom cupboard is a cluttered room.
It’s edges are lined with drums, gituars, keyboards, amps, mics, cables and boxes of precussion instruments. Behind a little window looking in the the room is the control centre for a recording studio.
This is the nerve center of the KDYS Live Band Project – a project that aims to provide a practise space to Tralee’s musically inclined teens.
From its inception to Februrary of this year, it had been under the leadership of Tralee musician John Buggy. While the live gigs put on by the project have ended, John has passed the torch on to Aaron Hutchinson and Michal Wagner, of the band Chapter 2 to continue the Wednesday sessions.
“We’re trying to get more kids involved in playing music, and to start bands,” says Michal, who, like Aaron, is originally from Offaly. “We want to bring the music back to the people and bring it back to life. If we can’t keep the numbers up, the studio and the jam room will be closed down and no one wants that.”
Aaron said that the LBP is all about “facilitiating young people who are into music but don’t necessarily have a place to go or friends that share the same interests. It’s our job to give them a space to explore that area of creativity.”
The LBP meets every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm in the KDYS, Denny Street, Tralee, so if you’re interested check it out.
With scenery like this, the Cloghane Brandon Walking and Music Festival is sure to be a great success.
THIS Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the Cloghane Brandon Walking and Music Festival is sure to draw huge crowds.
The festival, running from April 3rd – 6th will cater to all levels of walkers. Those seeking a challenge will be treated to the stunning vistas of Más an Tiompáin and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain.
Walkers looking for something more relaxed will be taken on the stunning Sás Creek to Brandon Point loop walk. Walker taking this option will get to see the wreckage of war planes at Sliabh Glas which crashed there in the Second World War.
Walkers will get to experience the wildlife, culture and archaeology of this Gaeltacht town, and will get a chance to practice their Irish with the locals.
Sean Keane will be performing in Halla Le Chéile on the Sunday night of the festival, and local pubs will be hosting music on the Friday and Saturday nights.
The Cloghane Brandon Walking and Music Festival is sure to be a be a fun and fulfilling event for all. For more information and registration contact Cumann Sléibhteoireacht an Leith-Triúigh (Cloghane Brandon Hillwalking Club) at eolas@cflt.ie or phone 066 7138137.
(Click on image to enlarge) Launching the Dog Show in aid of the Recovery Haven which takes place in the Town Park on St Patrick’s Day were back row from left; Noel and Stacey Conway, Daisy the Dog, Judge Ciss O’Connor, Grace O’Donnell and Maureen O’Brien of Recovery Haven. Front row, from left; Kelly Costello, Christian O’Sullivan-Dunne, O’Conner, Mel the Dog, Tara Kilgallon, Niamh Higgins and Brenda Kilgallon. Photo by Oscar Brophy
IF you go to the town park on St. Patrick’s Day expecting to see a dog show, you’ll be barking up the right tree.
Recovery Haven, in conjunction with dog trainer Ciss O’Connor are holding the event on Tuesday after the parade.
Ciss, who has previously shown and won at Crufts with her Chihuahua, will be judging the event.
Kit has been involved with many charities in Tralee over the years. Why?
“They simply need it,” said Ciss. “What can you say? It’s a fright that you have to do these things – the government should provide funding for something like this, but when it’s not there, it’s not there.”
When that happens, Ciss says, people have to show their support.
“So we decided to put this Dog Show on. We’d like to acknowledge our sponsors Lee Strand, Billy Naughton and Benners’ Garage. Trophy World sponsored rosettes and trophies for the event, and Pet Mania have donated bags of goodies for the dogs who enter,” she said.
Grace O’Donnell of Recovery haven said; “We’re delighted that Ciss is involved. She’s a great community person in the town and has worked all her life for the people of Tralee. We’re honoured that she’s helping out.”
“All dogs are welcome,” Ciss added, “big and small and anything at all!”
The dog show, in aid of Recovery Haven, is sponsored by Lee Strand, Billy Naughton and Benners Garage. It will be held on St. Patricks Day in the town park, behind the Ashe Memorial Hall.
The competition opens to entries at 1.30pm and all dogs are welcome.
St Patrick leads the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
ST Patrick’s Day came early for pupils and parents at Scoil Eoin, Ballonagh on Friday with the hosting of their annual pre-St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Held as part of Seachtain Na Gaeilge, the pupils, many wearing oversided leprechaun hats and holding inflatable hammers, danced and sang songs as gaeilge for parents and teachers alike.
One of the highlights of the day was the 6th class rendition of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars as gaeilge, which can be seen in the video below.
Scroll down for video and photos from the day…
Pupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPat Hickey and Catherina Graham enjoying the festivites at Scoil Eoin on Friday. Photos by Oscar Brophy
Pupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyAn interesting headpiece on a pupil at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyThumbs up for Ireland from this pupil at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyPupils having fun at the Scoil Eoin St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Colm Cooper with students of Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí at the Cinemobile at the Fels Point Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
STUDENTS of Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí had a chance to meet Colm Cooper after an Irish language film screening in the Mobile Cinema as part of Seachtain Na Gaeilge.
Addressing the crowd at the cinemobile parked at the Fels Point Hotel, Colm said that “events like these are a great opportunity to give kids a chance to get out of school and watch films as gaeilge”.
“We screen films for 300 secondary school students a day,” said Sinéad Dhomhnaill of Seachtain Na Gaeilge. “It’s a great experience, the kids love it. It’s a chance for them to practise their cupla focal,” she added.
The Cinemobile has had a busy week with screenings in Belfast, Derry and Tullamore. On Friday it went west for the Dingle Film Fest.
The screening was one of a series of events being held by Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí to mark the week.
It’s estimated that over 100,000 people have attended Seachtain na Gaeilge events so far this year, up from 2014’s 80,000 attendees. Seachtain na Gaeilge runs March 17. Information about events is available at snag.ie
Scroll down for photos…
Caoimhe Ní Loinsigh, Molly Breathnach and Neil Ó Seanachain at the Cinemobile at the Fels Point Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Oscar BrophyLuka Ó Bronnacháin, Diarmaid O’Hara, Tadhg Ó Loinsigh at the Cinemobile at the Fels Point Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Oscar BrophyAdam De Burca, Jack McGrath, Ronan O’Brien at the Cinemobile at the Fels Point Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Oscar BrophyTeachers Christina Ní Cheallacháin and Honor Nic Ghloinn of Gaelcolaiste Chiarrí at the Cinemobile at the Fels Point Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Darragh and Shirley McEvoy at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
O’DONNELL’S at Mounthawk played host to a Race Night in aid of Tralee Rugby Club on Friday.
Tralee RFC are raising funds to replace the floodlights which were stolen from their grounds last November.
Speaking at the event, Jeremy Walsh, Chairman of Tralee RFC said; “Rugby’s a game that’s played in the winter, so we need lights to train under for all our teams from under 14 up”.
Mr. Walsh said that he had come across the operators of the event, Emerald Race Nights, previously and that “it looked like a good night, a good way to raise money and have a bit of fun as well.”
“We’ve had a great response with people sponsoring races and horses,” he added.
Scroll down for photos…
Alison, Kieran and Nessa McGaley at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Joe Brosnan and Shane McGaley at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyAine Bulman Sean Kenny, Derek Bulman and Alan Boyle at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar BrophyTom Cronin, Jeremy Walsh, Jack Linnane, Shane O’Sullivan, Neil Peevers at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Jonathan O’Neill and Patrick Geary of Emerald Race Nights at the Tralee Rugby Club Race Night at O’Donnell’s Mounthawk on Friday. Photo by Oscar Brophy
Danny Leane of The Abbey Inn with Seamus Kelly who is starting up a new comedy club in April. Photo by Oscar Brophy
SOMETHING funny is going to happen in The Abbey Inn on April 16.
It’s the inaugural night of The KY Comedy Alternative, Kerry’s new comedy club. It’s all for a good cause, too – all proceeds from the night will go to the Tralee Soup Kitchen.
The night will see local first timers and one or two more experienced stand-ups take to the stage to make people laugh and you can get involved too, if you think you’ve got what it takes to leave a crowd in stitches.
The man behind it all is comedian Seamus Kelly, originally from Kilkenny, but now calling Tralee his home.
Seamus has performed at the Cat Laughs festival in Kilkenny as well as at venues all over the country, previously performing with American stand-up Reginald D. Hunter.
Seamus spoke with TraleeToday.ie about the upcoming event.
TT: What is your reason for starting The KY Comedy Alternative?
Seamus: “To give people a reason to come out at night and laugh – and not to feel guilty about it.
I think nowadays, with the way the world has gone, people are afraid to laugh because they think they’re going to offend someone. I don’t care about offending people.
I often ask someone who’s been the victim of a burglary if they’d like another joke about a burglary or would they prefer to be burgled again.”
TT: How long have you wanted to start a comedy club in Tralee?
Seamus: “Six and a half year, as long as I’ve been living in Kerry. I asked my fiancé when we moved down, ‘Do you think Tralee would be in the mood for a comedy club?’ She said ‘No’, and I listened to her.
Six and a half years ago I wouldn’t have had the courage to attempt something like this – but after going through some personal issues, and through the use of an online alter ego, Frank Hicks, I found the courage to set the ball in motion.
And the response, on Facebook and in real life, has been fantastic.”
TT: Why have you decided to hold the first show in aid of the Tralee Soup Kitchen?
Seamus: “Last year, I saw an article on TraleeToday.ie about the soup kitchen. There was two elderly gentlemen who had to wait for four days to get food. And for some reason, it touched me.
Generally, when someone’s dog dies in China I don’t care – because it’s not my dog and I don’t live in China. But it hit me because of the two women involved – it’s not 100% charity and they don’t have much funds.
They depend on the community. I’ve been living here for a few years and I count Tralee as my home, even though I live in Castlemaine. I want to give something back. I don’t want to charge people for a night of laughter, but what I do want is for people to put their hands in their pockets and give back”
TT: What comedians will be performing on the night?
Seamus: “We have five comedians booked so far, including John Spillane from Limerick, myself and a few first-timers from Tralee. But we are looking for more, anyone who thinks they might have an interest in trying it out. I fell into comedy by accident six years ago, so it could happen to anyone.”
The KY Comedy Alternative will be in The Abbey Inn on the 16th of April, time TBC.
Entry is free and there will be collections on the night in aid of Tralee Soup Kitchen. If you are interested in performing at the KY Comedy Alternative, no matter what your level of experience (or lack thereof), get in contact with Seamus on the KY Comedy Alternative’s Facebook page.
Grace O’Donnell and Sharon O’Keeffe of Kare 4 Kidz launching the table quiz at the Fels Point Hotel. Photo by Oscar Brophy
KARE 4 Kidz, a Kerry-based children’s charity, will be holding a fundraising table quiz in the Fels Point Hotel this Thursday at 8pm.
Kare 4 Kidz was set up 4 years ago with the aim of providing financial support to the families of sick children.
Grace O’Donnell of Kare 4 Kidz explained that this support is vital.
“The need is there for families who are going through the trauma of having a child who has, in many cases, just been diagnosed with illness. They have to take time off work, with one, sometimes two of the parents having to give up their jobs.”
“It’s huge pressure – the idea of Kare 4 Kidz is that we could provide financial support and help alleviate some of that pressure,” said Grace.
The charity also holds Christmas and Easter parties for sick children with learning disabilities and their families. More information about the charity is available on their Facebook page.
The price of entry to the quiz is €20 for a table of four and there will be a raffle on the night.
Michal “Wiggles” Wagner is the lead singer of Chapter 2, an acoustic cover band who has been carving out a living for themselves in Tralee pubs for the last two years. Michal and his bandmates all hail from the town of Edenderry, Co. Offaly. They moved to Tralee three years ago to go to college.
1. CKY – 96 Quite Bitter Beings
When I was growing up, I thought I was a little skater dude. So of course I played Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3, where I heard this song. It basically introduced me to music in general – it was the first song that I took any real notice of.
2. Metallica – Motorbreath
This is the first song I heard off Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All – Ryan Hurst, the guitarist from Chapter 2, showed it to me on cassette when I first met him. I had never heard metal before and I was just like [raises fists and makes growling noise]. It was class.
3. The Offspring – Original Prankster
The first song I learned to play fully on guitar. Simple as.
4. Burn Halo – Here With Me
The only song that ever made me cry – and it’s not even a sad song. They were tears of joy, in a weird kinda way, it just made me cry. If you listen to it, it wouldn’t make anyone cry – it was really weird.
5. Trivium – Pull Harder on the Strings
When I was getting into metal, the music channels Scuzz and Kerrang! were the only places you could listen to metal and discover new bands. This song would always come on Scuzz. It was super heavy – it was my first time listening to super heavy music and actually enjoyed it.
6. Limp Bizket – My Generation
This song got me through every set of punishment work I had to do in secondary school. I listened to it literally hundreds of times in the space of months and I just never got sick of it because I associated it with the negative feeling you got when writing punishment work.
7. Foy Vance – Janey
This tune really showed me that acoustic music can be large and ballsy – it doesn’t have to be quiet and reserved.
8. Ed Sheeran – You Need Me, I Don’t Need You
Ed opened my eyes to how rapping can be integrated into acoustic music and given a melody. Before this I only thought it really worked in hip hop and nu metal songs. The 11-minute version of in particular is mental.
• Interview by Oscar Brophy…Chapter 2 play in The Huddle Bar, Tralee every Friday and Saturday from 10 til late.
Not long now lads and lassies! But don’t fret, because Ryan Higgins and Oscar Brophy here at TraleeToday.ie have the perfect study tips to prepare for the Leaving Cert…ok, maybe not that perfect
1. Tidy your desk
Before you can even hope to start studying, you need to prepare a harmonious study area in order to achieve optimum energy flow.
Taking cues from the Chinese art of Fung Shui, arrange the furniture in your study room in a circular pattern around your desk to ensure all the essential knowledge-auras emanating from the objects in the room flow into your spiritual focal point.
The best time to start this process is at 11pm on the night before your first exam.
2. Choose the right study music
Some say background music hinders study. Well, what do ‘Some’ know? Slap on whatever feels right – be it Avicii’s Greatest Hits or NOW! That’s What I Call Death Metal – anything to help break the monotony and study til the break of dawn. Personally, nothing gets me more pumped for an exam than a bit of Wu-Tang.
3. Turn off your Internet connection
How many times have you said, “OK, tonight’s the night – I’m going to study like a madman!” only to have Facebook suck up your fast-dwindling study hours?
It’s happened to the best of us and – unless you have the concentration of a Buddhist monk – it’ll happen to you. The only safe option is to unplug your router and put it in the bin. You can buy a new one after the exams.
4. Make comprehensive but concise notes
We all know school books have a lot of less-than-necessary information in them. Sometimes it helps if you extract the points you absolutely need to know and make a note of them.
These notes can then be studied, referenced later or written on to your forearms for revision during the exam. There are other methods that allow you to study during the exam with your classmates:
5. Put on the kettle
Tea is proven to increase memory retention by up to 20%. Five cups a day and you’ve doubled your memory! So just stick on the kettle, leaf through a book and wait for all this to blow over.
6. Don’t do what Dexter did
As I’m sure you’ll all remember, there was a time when Dexter out of 90s Kids Show Dexter’s Laboratory tried to use the power of Science to get around actually studying for a French exam – with hilarious but disastrous results. So yeah, avoid that.
7. Keep your eyes on the prize
If you study hard, not only will you have all summer to slack off, you also have a better chance of getting in to college which in turn will give you a marginally better chance of getting a job and making CA$$$H MON€Y, Y’ALL! This will be you:
