Killarney

By Sean Moriarty
<h3>Liam O’Connor is instantly recognised as one of Killarney’s top musicians but the man who put him on the road to stardom was honoured on Friday night.</h3>
The late Pádraig Harnett wore many hats in town but was better known as one of the town’s best sports journalists as he was a cycling, soccer and basketball expert.
The Park Road native devoted a huge amount of his time voluntarily to Celtic Football Club and St Paul’s Basket Club.
He was a founding member of the local Nottingham Forrest FC Supporter&#8217;s Club.
A former hotel and cinema manager, Pádraig Harnett’s sudden passing last October left a gaping hole in all facets of Killarney society.
One man who is missing his late friend more than most is the world champion accordionist Liam O’Connor.
He wanted to do something to celebrate Pádraig’s contribution to the town he loved so well.
On Friday night last, Liam organised a special gig at the Fáilte Hotel in memory of the man who once acted as tour manager for his band.
The concert, which also raised money for Killarney Celtic &#8216;Football for All&#8217;, was attended by close to 300 people.
These included members of the extended Harnett families, politicians, sports stars and friends of the very well-known Killarney man.
“Not many people know that around 25 years ago, Pádraig introduced me to Paudie O’Callaghan of the Fáilte Hotel,” Liam explained.
“Paudie was very busy with gigs at the time but he offered me a Wednesday night slot and the rest, as they say, is history. He was a loyal friend, so honest and very intelligent and down to earth and was a larger-than-life character.”

Pádraig Harnett remembered at special musical event

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