Premiere screening of Ukrainian film on anniversary of war

Killarney-based Ukrainians are inviting the public to the premiere screening of the Ukrainian documentary film 'Life to the Limit'.

The premiere will be held at The Great Southern Killarney on February 22 at 6pm to mark the anniversary of the fullscale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Entry is free and donations are welcome.

The documentary is the first film that shows the struggle of the Ukrainian people from the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 to today.

For this work, the authors reviewed more than 600 archive hours of the chronicle to create the most emotional story of what they have experienced since 2014 so that the whole world will understand them.

The authors of the film are Ukrainian veterans, director Pavlo Peleshok and producer Yurko Ivanyshyn. Their previous film 'Winter on Fire' was nominated for an Oscar in 2016 for Best Documentary Feature.

Over the past year, many Ukrainians have died defending their land, many have survived captivity and torture, many have lost their relatives and homes.

More than eight million Ukrainians have tried to save their lives and the lives of their children by becoming refugees. Some of these Ukrainians made it to Killarney and received shelter and support from the local community.

“As a new part of the local community, we want to provide more information about what is happening in Ukraine and explain why we are here. Together with the whole world, we want to draw attention, on the date of the anniversary, to the beginning of the full-scale aggression against Ukraine,” local representatives of Association Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland (AURI C.L.G), and organisers say.

The film screening takes place within the framework of the international initiative of the World Congress of Ukrainians and AURI C.L.G.

"Many thanks to the Great Southern Killarney for their continued support of Ukrainian cultural initiatives."

Murphy returns to the saddle

Killarney star jockey Oisin Murphy returned to the saddle yesterday evening (Thursday) for the first time since serving a 14-month ban.

The three-time champion jockey was banned after he was found to have broken COVID-19 protocols in September 2020, and he also failed alcohol tests in May and October of 2021.

He returned to action where he rode the Mick Appleby trained Jupiter Express in Chelmsford – the race took place after the Killarney Advertiser closed for print.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA), which sanctioned the return of Murphy’s licence, said Murphy would be “subject to an enhanced testing regime” as part of his relicensing process.

“We are grateful for Mr Murphy’s timely and courteous approach to the relicensing process,” said a BHA statement.

“While the full conditions will not be made public, they include the need for Mr Murphy to remain sober and avoid the use of any illicit substances or social drugs. To monitor this, Mr Murphy will be subject to an enhanced testing regime both on the racecourse, and through the providing of hair samples for analysis at random times of the BHA’s choosing.”

Diamonds were always Susan O’Sullivan's best friend as she frequented Keanes Jewellers regularly with her wages from ‘A Touch of Class’ at the Innisfallen Mall from a very early age.

So it came as no great shock that she was the successful candidate in taking up a sales position at the popular jewellery store over 17 years ago.

And now Susan begins a new sparkling chapter as the first ever lady Store Manager taking over from Paul Trant who has 29 years service with the popular High Street shop. She has large boots to fill but will do so with ease with her friendly smile and glamour.

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend Susan?

“I’m an employee at Keanes for 17 years now so I think it’s safe to say the most precious diamonds are the staff in the store. Keane’s are a fantastic family based company. With Paul's departure, we are a team of six where Joan Lenihan is 42 years with Keanes and Breda O’Leary is 32. In addition to Breda and Joan, we have great camaraderie with Andrea McCarthy, Lauren Rintoul full-time and Emma Griffin part-time. Joan has worked with three generations of the Keane family from Paddy and Eileen, their sons Gerard and Pat and now their sons Ger and Patrick. I think that’s a fantastic testament to the family, truly a great place to work. The Cork store is 75 years in business and we are established in Killarney 45 years now.

You’ve worked in Keanes for almost half of their 45 years in existence in Killarney. I’m sure you’ve shared many special moments with customers down through the years?

“The obvious one is the excitement of a newly engaged couple. We are sometimes the first to know, before family and friends which is very special. The journey of special occasions there after is wonderful when our clients return to buy the wedding rings, the christening gifts