KERRY SAYS ‘HELLO’ TO 2017

WHETHER it was wagon wheels in Killarney, or fireworks in Tralee and Dingle, it was very much ‘in with the new and out with the old’ across the county on New Year’s Eve as thousands took to the streets, bars and clubs to welcome 2017 to Kerry.

The weather may have been averse to the celebrations, but it was going to take more than a downpour to wash away the enthusiasm.

In Tralee, large crowds gathered at the Ashe Hall as clusters of fireworks warmed the winter sky in scenes more reminiscent of mid-August.

Likewise in Dingle, the now traditional fireworks display was enjoyed by a rain-drenched crowd and later the local Fife and Drum Band performed its customary ‘pied piper’ role leading a throng of happy revellers to the New Year countdown at the Small Bridge.

In Killarney country music wizard Nathan Carter, created a hugely entertaining bridge between 2016 and 2017 as thousands enjoyed themselves well past midnight.

Poet, Brendan Kennelly, once described Christmas as a celebration that incorporates “the birth of life and the death of time” and as time ticked closer to midnight, the county’s bars and restaurants were not to be outdone as each establishment held its own farewell to 2016. And no doubt there was many a New Year’s resolution made in the Kingdom. Sticking to them - well that’s another thing!

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Neasa McDermott at the waterfront fireworks in Dingle on New Year’s Eve. Mary Reen, Ger, Eileen and Orna O’Shea, Anne O’Shea Brosnan and Thomas O’Shea Killarney ringing in the New Year at Kaynes, Dromhall, Killarney. At Nathan Carter in the INEC were...

Photo by Declan Malone Teresa Ashe, Rita Rohan, Máire Galvin and Laoise McDermott watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Dingle.

Photo by Declan Malone ABOVE: Watching the fireworks display from Denny Street. A moment in time at the countdown to the New Year in Dingle.