From Nunday to Dolly Day: Loss inspired two world record events in Kerry

They made history in 2012 with the largest gathering of nuns in a public place, and earlier this summer repeated that feat with DollyDay, and Mairead Sheehy gets a sense that Listowel's Guinness World record setters aren't finished.

Ned Kean and Ciaran O'Sullivan having a drink at Jet O'Carrolls on William Street, Listowel, prior to taking part in Nunday, a Guinness World record attempt of the largest gathering of people dressed as nuns which took place at Listowel Emmets GAA Club in 2012. Picture: Dan Linehan

Take one North Kerry town, add an energetic local community inspired by a tragic loss, lots of 'nuns' and Dolly Parton lookalikes. The result? Two Guinness World Records, a heap of money raised for charity — and an invitation to Dollywood.

One week after Listowel was awarded the official Guinness world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Dolly Parton, the town and those behind the event are still getting to grips with their success.