By Tristan O’DONOGHUE
BOOKS TO READ TO GET A FEEL FOR LOCAL LIFE As a tourist in Killarney town there are many things you may wish to experience during your stay. Whether it’s a day trip exploring our beautiful national park or maybe a pint of Guinness in one of the town's lively bars, we’ve got you covered. While these experiences are enjoyable there is more to the area than
sightseeing. From the history of our ancestors to the daily life of young people growing up in our town today there is a lot to learn. If this is something of interest to you then we have three great reads that will expand your knowledge of the area and deepen your connection to the people of this town.
KILLARNEY BEHIND THE MASK – Marie Carroll O’Sullivan Killarney Behind the Mask, a book produced by Marie Carroll O’Sullivan is top of the list. This book is one of a kind as it dives into Marie’s findings as she navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a wonderful collection of images and interviews that in the beginning, took place within the 2km radius surrounding her home, due to government restrictions on movement. But as restrictions eased, she regained the freedom to travel all over town meeting new people on every corner. The book displays captivating images of people ‘behind the mask’ as it features hundreds of interviews with local business owners, families, every day people, sports stars and some other big names from around the town as they continue to adjust to living with COVID-19. Furthermore, the proceeds of this one-of-a-kind time capsule-style book are being donated to local charities. The book can be found at Eason on Main Street, Bricín Restaurant on High Street and O’Connor’s Newsagent on Beech Road.
MY NAME IS JHON – John Brennan “My name is Jhon”, a biography by renowned Kerry hotelier John Brennan is a fascinating account of a man with the vision to create his own life against the odds that will inspire people everywhere to find their own way too. John says his book: “The greatest selling point you have is to be different – to bring something to the table no one else has.” This was the case for John as he began as an unlikely candidate for success; struggling with school and battling with dyslexia meant he felt stigmatised by a society that didn’t understand him. These struggles for John were the spark which ignited a fire of ambition when matched with his business acumen led to great successes throughout his life.
UNBROKEN – Aidan O’Mahony Aidan O’Mahony is a renowned Irish footballer and member of the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána. His autobiography ‘Unbroken’ is an account of the discipline it takes to be part of one of the country’s most successful Gaelic football teams, while also telling the story of managing external and internal expectations and pressure, and the importance of knowing when to ask for help. If you really want to get a feel of what life was like for a young man growing up in Kerry while understanding the pressure of Irish society, this book will be a great read.
BEAUTIFUL KILLARNEY – Nik Hall ‘Beautiful Killarney - A Walk through the National Park’ is a visual journey from the town toward Ladies View and back again taking in some of Killarney's most breathtaking scenery. Local photographer Nik Hall takes readers on a journey around the lakes, mountains and ancient forests. He captures pretty waterfalls and rivers and a diverse array of native wildlife around Killarney and its 26,000 acre National Park though the lens of someone that knows where they are going.
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I KILLARNEY Magazine
2022
