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Family of severely Alexis welcome hoist grants policy change

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By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney family have welcomed news that that fixed track hoists will be included in the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Schemes.

Parents Steve and Teresa O’Mahony have been fighting government bureaucracy for months.

The urgently need a hoist fitted to their home to help them care for their daughter Alexis. She suffers from a pyruvate dehydrogenase, PDH, deficiency and she has a brain injury. She has cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, visual impairment, a subluxation of her hip and is at high risk of aspiration.
In recent months the family were dealing with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Department of Health, in an effort to get a grant to fit a hoist to their home.

None of the government departments were willing to commit to the scheme until political intervention by TDs Pa Daly and Norma Foley and Tralee councillor Jim Finucane.

It was announced this week that that fixed track hoists will be included in the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Schemes.

“It is a big relief that funding has finally been reinstated and a clear pathway now exists in the years ahead for those across Ireland that require ceiling track hoists,” Steve told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Access to the scheme without worry now exists and enables people with a disability to live day to day with their dignity and comfort protected. It should never have taken almost three years to get the legislation in place and a lot needs to be learned in terms of engagement and communication channels between government departments.

“Ultimately it is some of society's most vulnerable that suffered because of the impasse and it is also society's most vulnerable and their families and carers that will benefit enormously from the scheme. A thank you to all Kerry politicians that engaged on this in various times.”

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Kerry Politicians at St Patrick’s Day Events in New York and London

Kerry County Council and Kerry politicians participated in St Patrick’s Day engagements in New York and London. Cathaoirleach Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, accompanied by council directors Angela McAllen and Christy O’Connor, […]

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Kerry County Council and Kerry politicians participated in St Patrick’s Day engagements in New York and London.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, accompanied by council directors Angela McAllen and Christy O’Connor, attended meetings and events in New York, including the St Patrick’s Day Parade. They met with IDA North America and Tourism Ireland-North America representatives and attended a reception hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “It was a great honour to represent the people of Kerry,” said Fitzgerald.
Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald visited London, joining the Kerry Association and attending the St Patrick’s Day Parade. He was accompanied by Director of Economic & Community Development Niamh O’Sullivan and attended a reception at the Irish Embassy.
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, and Kerry TD Norma Foley completed a five-day visit to London. She participated in the St Patrick’s Day parade alongside the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and grand marshals Katie Harrington and Katie-George Dunlevy.
“This visit has all been about promoting and nurturing the ties of friendship that exist between Ireland and Britain,” said Foley. She held meetings with British politicians, including Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, and visited the London Irish Centre and the Irish Cultural Centre.
Foley attended a reception for the late novelist Edna O’Brien and met with members of the Irish and British communities, including political figures and celebrities. She also attended the St Patrick’s Day ball and addressed the Irish Festival at Trafalgar Square

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Celtic Kitchen Café tops Irish breakfast rankings

Celtic Kitchen Café on Plunkett Street has been declared the best place in Ireland for a traditional full Irish breakfast. The announcement, made on St Patrick’s Day, highlighted the café’s […]

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Celtic Kitchen Café on Plunkett Street has been declared the best place in Ireland for a traditional full Irish breakfast.

The announcement, made on St Patrick’s Day, highlighted the café’s exceptional quality and service.
Researchers compiled a list of the top 12 Irish breakfast spots by analysing reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Maps.
The study focused on the percentage of 5-star ratings, resulting in a score out of 100. Celtic Kitchen Café achieved a perfect 100, surpassing all other contenders.
The café is praised for its “excellent food and friendly service,” reflected in its consistent 5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Visitors frequently commend the delicious breakfast offerings and the welcoming atmosphere.

“Scoring a perfect score of 100 in this study, Celtic Kitchen Café is a highly acclaimed café in Killarney, known for its excellent food and friendly service. It boasts a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, with visitors praising its delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere” said researcher Sue Dawson.

“There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a staple of Irish hospitality, the hearty Irish breakfast. When it comes to indulging in a quality breakfast, this dish really is worth travelling for, particularly at this time of year.”

“Whether it’s traditional black and white pudding, freshly-baked soda bread, crispy rashers, or a steaming pot of tea, these top 10 spots truly capture the essence of a great Irish start to the day.”

“As a team we do love an Irish breakfast, so we put our research skills to the test to help diners find the establishments serving the best in the country.”

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