Latest news with #Killarney
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Tariffs and higher input costs hit Killarney Brewing and Distilling
The impact of 'high tariffs' and the Covid-19 pandemic caused 'significant and sustained challenges' for Killarney Brewing and Distilling (KBD), the company said after entering liquidation on Monday. In a statement, KBD said that 'despite the best efforts of all involved' the examinership process which was in place over the company since mid-April was unsuccessful. The company said that, as with many other drinks manufacturers, KBD faced 'significant and sustained challenges' over the past few years as a result of the 'lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic'. Founded by local businessmen Tim O'Donoghue and Paul Sheahan in 2013, the company had 64 employees in 2022. Mr Justice Michael Quinn of the High Court appointed James Anderson of Deloitte as liquidator at a hearing on Monday. READ MORE [ Liquidator appointed over Killarney Brewing and Distilling Opens in new window ] KBD said the pandemic led to delays in opening its distillery in Fossa and also caused 'global supply chain disruptions, rising input costs, and ongoing geopolitical and trading pressures.' 'More recently, high tariffs on Irish whiskey exports to the US and wider economic uncertainty have further impacted the business.' As reported previously, the company had reached a preliminary agreement to merge with a US-based entity but the company pulled out of the deal. 'In response, KBD entered the examinership process in the hope of securing new investment to protect jobs and stabilise operations for the long term,' the statement reads, noting that despite the 'tireless efforts' under examinership, an investor was unable to be secured in time. 'We remain proud of what we've built together and the craft, care, and creativity that defined our journey.'
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Killarney Brewing company and Revenue in dispute over appointment of liquidator
Killarney Brewing and Distilling has sought the appointment of a liquidator over the business in a High Court hearing on Friday. A decision on the case has been postponed until Monday by Justice Michael Quinn amid a dispute between the company and the Revenue Commissioners around who should be appointed as the liquidator. The distillery's staff were told that operations would cease on Thursday ahead of the hearing. The business was has been under examinership since mid-April but did not secure the investment necessary to keep the business afloat in time. Representing the company, Barrister Declan Murphy petitioned the court to appoint the existing examiner, Deloitte's James Anderson, as the liquidator over the company. READ MORE He told the court that Killarney Brewing and Distilling and its seven constituent entities had 'no alternative' other than liquidation and that the directors believed the time had come to bring the life of the business 'to an end'. Mr Murphy said it was a 'sad day' for the investors, directors, workers and the broader community in Killarney, Coounty Kerry, and that the company was 'very grateful' to the examiner for the services thus far. The court heard that the examiner, Mr Anderson was willing to be appointed as liquidator over the company. [ Killarney Brewing and Distilling staff told operations to cease Opens in new window ] Barrister Sally O'Neill, for the Revenue Commissioners, said she represented the largest unsecured creditor once discounting inter-party debts. She said Revenue was owed, across the seven petitioning companies, 'more than €1 million". She disputed the appointment of the existing examiner, petitioning the court to appoint Myles Kirby of Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants as the examiner instead. Ms O'Neill argued that Revenue should be heard in the decision as to who would be appointed as the liquidator, pointing to precedent set during the liquidation of Star Elm Frames Ltd. David McWilliams on how 'big incentives' to build could save Dublin city Listen | 36:51 Mr Murphy said he was 'taken by surprise' by the stance of the Revenue Commissioners over the appointment. The court heard that Revenue only held a small part of the overall debts in the group of companies. . Mr Murphy said he did not believe 'this particular tail should wag the dog' and said Revenue's interpretation of the Star Elm case was a 'misconception' of the case and was 'wrongfully applied'. Ms O'Neill argued that once accounting for inter-party loans and the secured debtors, Revenue accounted for a significant portion of the companies' debts. She said the petitioners were putting the views of the creditors secondary to the views of the company. [ 'Asset rich' Killarney Brewing seeks court protection from creditors Opens in new window ] Justice Quinn said that Revenue held a large portion of the debts in two of the companies - which were involved in construction. He said he had anticipated making a decision on the matter during the hearing but, after hearing the arguments would delay a decision to Monday, The court protection over the company has been extended until Monday when Justice Quinn is expected to rule on the case. Should the examinership be unsuccessful, it is understood that Bailmo Limited, the sole secured lender which holds debts in excess of €3 million, will place a receiver over its security, the Killarney Brewing and Distilling property in Fossa. Bailmo was neutral on who would be appointed as liquidator. Founded by local businessmen Tim O'Donoghue and Paul Sheahan in 2013, the parent company of the group has not filed accounts since 2023. In its more recent filings with the Companies Registration Office, the company reported a turnover of more than €2 million for 2022. The business lost €1.61 million in 2022 and had accumulated losses of €4.15 million.
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Double joy for Joseph O'Brien at Killarney
The O'Brien family enjoyed a tremendously successful time during the three Flat days of the Killarney festival and Joseph ensured that continued into the National Hunt section as, from five runners on Thursday's card, he sent out two winners, two runners-up and one fourth-placed finisher. With himself, his father, Aidan, and his brother, Donnacha, on the mark earlier in the week as trainers, and his sister, Ana, having joined the group as a winning owner here on Wednesday, it was turn of Sarah to continue the O'Brien dominance of the week when Nitty Gritty took the opener, the Laurels Pub Maiden Hurdle. To get Joseph's day off to the perfect start, he had to respond to all of JJ Slevin's calls to collar long-time leader Cocovic in the shadow of the post. 'Seán (Flanagan, aboard Cocovic) and I ended up fighting it out, and we sat first and second most of the way, so it was nice to win it,' said Slevin. 'Seán was about a length in front of me jumping the last and I definitely thought I was coming out on the wrong side of it, but my lad stuck out his head and fought all the way to the line.' Even though Galileo Sand, in the Kerry Drains Bumper, was the shortest priced of O'Brien's runners, he required plenty of assistance from the saddle to get his nose in front in a competitive race. Fortunately, he had John Gleeson on his back and the young rider was at his most persuasive as he got his mount back up to deny Tandy's Bridge and longtime leader Ripsnorter. Asked about the winning trainer, stable representative Michael Halford was full of praise for O'Brien, who turn out the winners at all levels and under both codes. 'He's a remarkable man,' said Halford. 'His enthusiasm and energy for it is unmatched. Every bit as much effort and thought goes into these horses as any of them. He leaves no stone unturned, and it's great to even be a small part of it. To see it in operation is something else. He's so good at it, it just comes so naturally to him to train horses.' Of the bumper winner, he said: 'He showed a great attitude. He's tough as nails. Typical of Joseph's horses, they're fit and hard and keep grinding it out. They don't need for anything, and John gave him a very good ride.' The Gordon Elliott-trained Emily Love is a mare in great form and she made it four in a row for the summer by taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares' Hurdle. The sequence began in Limerick, continued in Perth and then Kilbeggan, and with the aid of Josh Williamson's 7lb claim, it followed on here. Swelltime won for the sixth time in his career when taking the Adara Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle under a front-running ride by Jake Coen. Trained in Limerick by William O'Doherty, the now nine-year-old was a winner of a similar race at the August meeting here in 2024 and, 2lbs lower this time, he was able to dictate despite taking a wide part throughout, and ultimately he won with a nice bit in hand. The KPH Construction 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle was the feature on yesterday evening's National Hunt card in Killarney and county Waterford trainer John Flavin landed the spoils with Duty Bound, thanks to a strong ride by Donagh Meyler. It was as competitive as one would expect for a race of this nature and when the 18-1 chance got the better of a protracted duel with the strong-travelling Boston Rajj, he had to fend off the flying finish of Duke Silver, which he did by half a length. 'I was a long way from home when he came off the bridle but as soon as I gave him a squeeze, he jumped back on it,' said Meyler. 'He's a bit like his trainer: he likes a bit of hardship. He had plenty to aim at in the straight and it suited him down to the ground. One thing he does is stay. He wouldn't do much in a hurry but, to be fair to him, he stuck his head out and battled to the line.' Seven-pound claimer Calum Hogan, who rode a winner for Philip Rothwell on Monday at Downpatrick, was on the board for his boss, Eric McNamara, by taking the Dr Ivo O'Sullivan Memorial Handicap Hurdle aboard Say It So. Initially patient, he made a move down the back to race prominently on the outside, and sent his mount to the front shortly after straightening up. Thereafter it was a case of coaxing his mount home, and he did so at the expense of the game Shaboozee. Seven-pound claimer Anna McGuinness continues to impress at this early stage of her career, and she kept things simple aboard the Seán Aherne-trained and Ray O'Driscoll-owned Palpatate in the Kate Kearney's Cottage Bumper. 'She had been running well and deserved that,' said Aherne. 'I was a little nervous about the ground because she likes good ground, but she got away with it. She's fit and well, and we might go hurdling now as she has a bit of schooling done.'
Irish Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Killarney Racecourse to host first-ever Kerry Drinks Festival in November
Killarney will raise a glass to amazing liquids as the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival makes its debut on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at Killarney Racecourse. A celebration of flavour and craftsmanship, the festival promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, showcasing the rich diversity of the country's drinks industry—from whiskeys and gins to craft beers, ciders, vodkas, liqueurs, and much more. Proudly sponsored by Carry Out Killarney and Dingle Distillery, the festival will bring together over 45 producers and a host of enthusiasts for a day of sampling, socialising and discovery. The day will kick off with a Trade Expo at 2:30pm, tailored for industry professionals from the bar, restaurant and hospitality sectors. Attendees will have the chance to meet with a wide range of producers, explore new products and forge valuable business connections ahead of the busy festive season. A highlight of the day will be the Dingle Distillery Masterclass, taking place from 6pm to 7pm. This masterclass will offer a guided tasting and in-depth insight into the distillery's acclaimed portfolio, led by its expert team. Then, at 7pm, the festival opens to the general public for the Brand Expo & Social - an immersive sampling experience set against the scenic backdrop of Killarney Racecourse. On arrival, guests will receive their specially selected complimentary festival tasting glass, designed to enhance the flavour of every sip, from spirits to beer. Attendees will enter through a lively Beerhall, with samples along the way, before passing a bespoke selection of food vendors offering bites for purchase, en route to the atmospheric Spirits Lounge. Complimentary mixers will be available for those who prefer a long drink. Guests are encouraged to chat with the makers and soak up the friendly, festive atmosphere. Laurie and Sonya O'Dwyer The event is organised by Sonya O'Dwyer and Laurie O'Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast), who are the same people behind the very successful Cork Whiskey Fest, which celebrated its 3rd festival in March this year. Speaking at the announcement, Sonya said, 'We are thrilled to launch Kerry Drinks Festival this November. With the help of everyone in Kerry, we are excited to create something really special for the county.' Laurie commented, 'It will be a weekend of great drinks, great atmosphere and plenty of craic.' Whether you're a connoisseur or simply curious, the Kerry Drinks Festival offers the perfect setting to enjoy your old favourites and discover some new ones - all under one roof. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 18 at 7pm - get yours at For more information check out the website or follow them on socials @kerrydrinksfestival
Irish Examiner
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Expect a Red Letter day in Killarney
Day three of Killarney's July festival is also the last of the week's Flat action at the Kerry venue, and the feature race is the listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes, which can go the way of the Ger Lyons-trained Red Letter. A high-class sort at two, she made her return to action in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas and ran a fine race to finish seventh, beaten less than three lengths, behind Desert Flower. On the back of that, she was sent off favourite to get back to winning ways in a listed race at Navan but, after being ridden confidently from off the pace, she was unable to get by the sticky Barnavara, who made all and got first run. Clear of the remainder that day, it was a good effort and she can bounce back with victory here before making her way back up the grading ladder. Fiery Lucy has decent claims, but a more appealing each-way alternative is Wannabe Royal. Joseph O'Brien's filly has proven form with cut in the ground and while she has something to find with the main players on their official ratings, the conditions can bring them much closer together. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, for three-year-olds and older, is a fascinating race, but there was a lot to be taken from the opening effort of Hellorhighwater, and he can land the spoils for Gavin Cromwell and Robert Whearty. Unraced at two, he made his debut last month in Limerick and finished runner-up to the cleverly ridden Valorous Power. Tucked in just a little behind the pace, he emerged as the sole threat to the winner in the straight but showed his inexperience as he hung in towards the rails initially. When the penny dropped, he picked up really nicely and was doing his best work in the shadow of the post. He is a really nice prospect and, with anticipated progress, he should take plenty of beating in this race. Jousting is bound to be popular in the betting, but he will need to see out his race much better than he did on debut if he is to make the step forward to winning a maiden. The consistent Chester Nimitz has some place claims, but it would be noteworthy if money came for Michael O'Callaghan's newcomer, Adieu Spirit, an Invincible Spirit colt who went from being a 28,000 Guineas yearling to a 180,000 two-year-old. Still She Blooms deserves a breakthrough victory and can get it, at the twelfth time of asking, in the Rose Hotel Handicap. Last time out, in a nine-furlong race on soft ground at Leopardstown, she attempted to make all but was unlucky to be run down dep inside the final furlong by Deuteronomy. In similar conditions, well drawn and, ideally, back one furlong, to a mile, Chris Timmons' filly can finally have her day.
