Hospice Ball and Houlihan Festival to Return

Kathleen Griffin and Jack Shanahan pictured as they announce details of the return of the once annual Hospice Ball to Castleisland. Photograph: Liz Galwey

There is a bit of good news on the event and festival scene in Castleisland this week with the announcement that the Castleisland Hospice Branch Ball is to return after a decade of absence. And that the Con Houlihan Memorial Weekend – which had an initial run in 2013 – is also back in a format yet to be fully revealed.

Committee members of Castleisland Branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation are delighted to announce the return of the once annual Hospice Ball.

It has been a number of years – a decade in fact – since the popular event has been held . Since word of its return escaped there has been great interest locally.

A festival to honour the memory of the late Con Houlihan is being revived after an initial outing in 2013. Con is pictured here with the late Johnny O'Leary in Scartaglin during the filming of 'Waiting for Houlihan' the TV documentary on his life and work. ©Photograph: John Reidy 19/09/2002 — A festival to honour the memory of the late Con Houlihan is being revived after an initial outing in 2013. Con is pictured here with the late Johnny O’Leary in Scartaglin during the filming of ‘Waiting for Houlihan’ the TV documentary on his life and work. ©Photograph: John Reidy 19/09/2002

“The ball will be run in conjunction with The Con Houlihan Memorial weekend which is being organised by Castleisland Rugby Club and the venue will be the ‘Festival Marquee’ at the Crageens,” said branch spokesperson, Liz Galwey.

“Friday, September 25th is the date to put in your diary. Tickets are €40 each and can be booked through any committee member. Music on the night will be by Flog the Dog and disco by D.J. Joe Mac.

All proceed will go to the new palliative care in-patient unit at Kerry General Hospital. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly so don’t delay in getting your hands on one and Jack Shanahan’s Pharmacy in the Garvey’s SuperValu complex is the place to do just that.