Latest news with #Killeagh
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Even in rival Youghal they'll belt out the Killeagh song if Cork topple Tipp today
Kingfishr's surprise hit of the summer, Killeagh, will be sung 'everywhere' around Cork if the Rebels win the All-Ireland hurling final today – though one club mainstay has admitted she can't resist 'rubbing it in' over Killeagh's nearest rivals. The east Cork village and hurling club has been immortalised in Kingfishr's ubiquitous folk track, which has spent the last 18 weeks in the Irish top 10 charts and was used in RTÉ's ads for today's decider against Tipperary. Written for Kingfishr bass player Eoin Fitzgibbon's home parish and former team, the song features references to local places including Killeagh's GAA grounds, Páirc Uí Chinnéide. Helen Kennedy, at the Pairc Uí Chinnéide, Killeagh GAA Grounds, Killeagh, Co. Cork. Helen Kennedy is the grandmother to Charlotte, 4 years old, Hugo, 6 years old, and Poppy, 2 years old. Pic: Seán Dwyer Helen Kennedy, whose brother-in-law Robert 'Danno' Kennedy the pitch is named after, said 'everybody's talking about' the song in the village of around 900 people. 'I've seen it everywhere,' she told 'In fact, it's on the television nearly every night. I've seen videos of people singing it…' The veteran club member said locals don't talk about Kingfishr. 'Instead, we say young Fitzgibbons – Ger Fitzgibbons's son,' she explained. 'And his grandfather – I remember the night the cup came to Killeagh, he danced down the street to the bus. These were dedicated GAA people, even with so little.' Kingfishr. Pic: File The volunteer continued that she 'just can't believe how popular' the song, which has more than 16 million plays on Spotify, has become. She said: 'I think it's wonderful. And I think there's a lot of credit due to the other boys [in Kingfishr, who are from Limerick] who agreed to play it and it has taken off.' Ms Kennedy agrees with a take she read online that the song is relatable to 'every village in Ireland'. Helen Kennedy, at the Pairc Uí Chinnéide, Killeagh GAA Grounds, Killeagh, Co. Cork. Pic: Seán Dwyer 'It is, because villages are different from towns and cities,' she explained. 'I suppose we just don't have other facilities like they do, and all the kids go to the hurling field.' The song has even been readily belted out by supporters from other Cork clubs, possibly helped by Killeagh's underdog status – they have never won a senior championship and are 'not doing very well at the moment'. But there remains a 'next-door-neighbour hurling rivalry' with nearby Youghal. 'I be saying to my little grandson, 'That's your granduncle [in the song] – Páirc Uí Chinnéide!' Ms Kennedy laughed. 'And of course his father's from Youghal and I know it's driving him simple. I just love rubbing it in. They love to have one up on me whenever they can.' But even in Youghal, they are singing the catchy ballad, 'and if Cork wins it'll be sung everywhere', Ms Kennedy said. Killeagh's current home, officially opened in 1996, was named in honour of the man who 'was so dedicated he put his own money in to keep the club going' and offered his own fields as sporting pitches, clearing cattle off before matches'. 'It was usually my late husband and my brother-in-law's land that the matches were played on,' Ms Kennedy recalled. 'I remember when I was a child – nobody told me I was going to be his sister-in-law then – going to a match above in Kennedy field. 'And the older fellas would tell you they'd have to take the cow sh*t off the field and then they'd play the match.' The long-serving club member continued that the 'proud people' of Killeagh are 'very proud of our youth', who have 'served us well' and kept the GAA grounds busy generation after generation. 'Every kid went to the hurling field, and that's why Páirc Uí Chinnéide means so much to everybody,' she said. 'And now there's children coming in from other countries and going to the schools and learning to hurl and play with the children here, which I think is lovely to see.'
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy up to 10th after first leg of Delfi Rally Estonia
Having finished Thursday night's opener in Delfi Rally Estonia - round eight of the World Rally Championship - in thirteenth place, Josh McErlean declared: "You need big commitment in this rally." During Friday's seven high speed stages the Kilrea driver and his Killeagh co-driver Eoin Treacy showed good form and ended the first leg in tenth place. It was a spectacular day for Swedish ace Oliver Solberg, back behind the wheel of a Rally1 car for the first time in almost three years, the 23-year old, onboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, leads the way - 12.4s ahead of home hero Ott Tanak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) with reigning World champion Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) just 1.2s further behind in third. Solberg, a regular WRC2 competitor took his maiden WR stage win on the morning opener (SS2) to move into a 5.3s, he was also quickest on the repeat stage and held an 8.5s lead over Tanak at service. With a beaming smile, he enthused: "It's the best car I have ever driven. I am just enjoying and if I need to back off, I will back off, but so far I am just building up step by step.' Surprisingly Tanak, who was best on SS3 and SS5, opined that he struggled for confidence. McErlean had a trio of top ten stage times and held ninth and the top M-Sport Ford driver. Fourmaux, Solberg and Neuville took stage wins during the afternoon where McErlean admitted that one of the ruts almost took the steering wheel from his hands. As he gained in confidence, his commitment levels also increased, however, he couldn't prevent team mate Martin Sesks from leapfrogging him into ninth. Winning the unofficial "drift" competition at the roundabout on the day's final but shortest stage, McErlean said: "We were chatting about it at the start of the stage, I channelled my inner Conor Shanahan from the Red Bull Event (Spike Island), at least we have won something today." On a more serious note, he added: "It's been good, we are not that far away from Martins (Sesks). It's more about the feeling and the confidence in the car. I think we can improve a lot still, it's just trusting that last bit with the pacenotes and the feeling. "Yeah, a lot more to come from me and Eoin rather than the car." Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota Gr Yaris Ral1y1) had a tough day running first on the road and sweeping the loose gravel, he ended the day in seventh. There are nine stages today (Saturday) and three on Sunday. Delfi Rally Estonia (Round 8, World Rally Championship) Tartu 1. O. Solberg/E. Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)1h. 06m. 33.4s 2. O. Tänak/M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+12.4s 3. T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+14.2s 4. K. Rovanperä/ J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+20.1s 5. A. Fourmaux/A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+ 29.8s 6. T. Katsuta/A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+30.0s 7. E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+41.4s 8. S. Pajari/M. Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+1m. 05.1s 9. M. Sesks/R. Francis (Ford Puma Rally1)+1m. 11.4s 10. J. McErlean/E. Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1)+1m. 30.0s.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Kingfishr review: Gig of the summer at the Marquee as Cork fans raise the roof with 'Killeagh' singalong
On the first of two sold-out nights, fans flocked to see Kingfishr at Live at the Marquee on Wednesday evening. With their viral hit 'Killeagh' becoming the unofficial anthem of Cork GAA fans right now, it felt like both the gig of the summer in the Rebel County and a pre-All-Ireland Hurling Final celebration. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Take us with you this summer. Annual €130€65 Best value Monthly €12€6 / month
Irish Examiner
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Midleton fight back to beat Killeagh in fiery finale
Midleton 1-18 Killeagh 0-15 It was far from a classic. But what mattered to Midleton was the scoreboard – a six-point victory and a second-half recovery after looking second best for much of the RedFM Division 2 Hurling League final. Referee Niall Fahy was the busiest man in Castlemartyr. He reached for red three times – each one carrying likely consequences for the weeks ahead. The opening dismissals arrived as a set. Alex Quirke's high challenge on Seán Long prompted a flashpoint that saw Killeagh netminder Philip O'Neill sent off for his role in the melee, while Quirke received a straight red for the initial hit. Yellow cards were also flashed to Luke O'Farrell and Rob Sinclair in the aftermath. The third red came deep in added time, Seán Long walking for dissent with their hopes already evaporated. The first two reds were where the contest turned. Killeagh had just strung together four unanswered points to move 0-12 to 0-10 in front. They had wrestled control, Ryan McCarthy sharp, Evan Lane influential and Brendan Delaney composed in defence. Then, everything changed. Midleton, up against it to that point, suddenly found a spark. Points from O'Farrell and Ross O'Regan, followed by a pair of Finn frees, nudged them in front. The game's critical moment followed: substitute Dave Cremin played in Finn, and he drilled low to the net. Colin Walsh, O'Neill's replacement in goal, got a touch – not enough. When O'Farrell was pulled down for a penalty, Finn stepped up with a chance to bury the game – but Walsh produced a brilliant stop to deny him from the spot. The Midleton midfielder converted the resulting 65, but the save gave Killeagh late hope. They went in search of a goal. And they came within inches. A long delivery from Andy Walsh dropped on top of McCarthy, who rose highest, created space and let fly. It had goal written all over it – until Bryan Rossiter, out of nowhere, made a superb save to preserve Midleton's cushion. It was Killeagh's final roll of the dice. The last red card and another Finn free closed out the scoring. Killeagh will feel the final margin was misleading. For 45 minutes, they were the better team. But they leave Castlemartyr empty-handed – and counting the cost, with two dismissals and an injury to Dylan McCarthy. The first half was largely forgettable. Conditions didn't help. It was a scrappy, error-strewn opening quarter in the rain. Just five scores had been registered by the 15th minute – Killeagh ahead 0-3 to 0-2. Even when conditions improved, the quality didn't. Lane grabbed his second point from a Philip O'Neill pass before Killian McDermott equalised at 0-4 apiece. Cormac Beausang nudged Midleton ahead for the first time, only for McCarthy to respond with the best moment of the half – catching O'Neill's long ball under pressure and kicking over an outstanding point. At the break, it was 0-8 to 0-6. By 37 minutes, it was 0-10 to 0-8. Killeagh pushed on – but when Finn got his goal after the red cards, the Magpies never looked back. Scorers for Midleton: M Finn 1-10 (0-9 f, 0-1 65), C Beausang (0-1 f), L O'Farrell 0-3 each, K McDermott, R O'Regan 0-1 each. Scorers for Killeagh: R McCarthy 0-4 (0-3 f), E Lane, R Long 0-3 each, D McCarthy 0-2 f, A Walsh, S Smiddy, S Walsh 0-1 each. MIDLETON: B Rossiter; S Smyth, E Moloney, T O'Leary Hayes; L Dineen, C Smyth, R O'Regan; S O'Meara, M Finn; K McDermott, A Quirke, L O'Farrell; P White, C Beausang, C Walsh. Subs: D Cremin for Walsh (42), E McGrath for White (57), A Daly for O'Meara (60). KILLEAGH: P O'Neill; S Long, P O'Brien, B Delaney; R Sinclair, D Walsh, A Walsh; C Fitzgibbon, E Lane; R McCarthy, R Long, S Smiddy; C Leahy, D Buckley, D McCarthy. Subs: S Walsh for D McCarthy (25 inj), C Walsh for Buckley (47), R Treacy for D Walsh (53), G Walsh Wallace for Sinclair (57), A Leahy for C Leahy (60+2). Referee: Niall Fahy (Brian Dillons)
Extra.ie
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
WATCH -- Limerick trio Kingfishr surprise couple with VIRAL wedding performance
Most couples dream of a memorable first dance, but few end up sharing it with Ireland's hottest band playing just a few feet away. That's exactly what happened on Monday, when a groom named Pete reached out to chart-topping trio Kingfishr with a simple request: an MP3 of their unreleased single 'Next to Me' to soundtrack his first dance. What he didn't expect? The actual band turning up in full wedding attire, instruments in hand, after a four-hour drive — and performing the song live. Most couples dream of a memorable first dance, but few end up sharing it with Ireland's hottest band playing just a few feet away. Pic: Facebook/Kingfishr The heartwarming moment, captured in a now-viral video, shows the newlyweds visibly stunned as Kingfishr launch into the soaring ballad, which they've dubbed their 'first love song.' Guests quickly crowded the dancefloor, phones in the air, as the band delivered a pitch-perfect rendition of the groom's chosen track, one that now carries a whole new meaning. Taking to the comments of the video, which has amassed a whopping 278K views across platforms, a number of fans have shared their delight at the touching gesture. 'This is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my whole life,' one fan commented. 'Kings of wholesome side quests,' another penned. 'I'd say Lauren is one lucky lady, so many grooms have no idea what their first song is no less request to use one from the artists themselves? Cheers to a long & happy marriage!' a third shared. The heartwarming moment, captured in a now-viral video, shows the newlyweds visibly stunned as Kingfishr launch into the soaring ballad, which they've dubbed their 'first love song.' Pic: Henry Pearce Fresh off a sold-out summer tour, including two packed shows at Live at the Marquee, and with over 100 million streams to their name, the Limerick trio are no strangers to big stages. They've already notched a 4x Platinum hit with Killeagh, and will headline Dublin's 3Arena twice this December. Their debut album, Halcyon, lands August 22 — but yesterday's impromptu wedding gig might just be their most heartwarming set yet. Congrats Lauren and Pete, here's to many more dances for years to come.
