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Take tiny steps to help premature babies

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KERRY parents are being invited to put on their walking shoes for premature babies with the launch of a very special walk to raise funds for the Neonatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Abby and Seamus O’Leary from Ballymakeera, Co Cork, who have family in Kilgarvan, last week celebrated the first birthday of their twins, who have had a difficult year after being born at just 28 weeks.

The family are hosting a walk at the Top of Coom on March 19 to say thanks for all the support they received since the birth of the twins and to say a special thanks to the Neonatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Abimay and Gerard were born on February 25, 2016. Gerard weighed only 1lb 11oz while Abimay was 2lb 6oz when they came into the world over three months early.

Due to complications with the pregnancy and fears that baby Gerard would not survive a decision was taken to induce Abbey at just 28 weeks.

“We were told at 25 weeks that Gerard may not make it so for the next three weeks I went for a scan twice a week to see was he and his twin both alive.”

“It was such a traumatic and difficult time. We didn’t know what would happen,” recalls Abby.
Following their birth the twins were immediately rushed to the neonatal unit at Cork University Hospital.

“It was terrifying when they were born. They were so small and we didn’t even know if they would survive. ”

The twins, who both suffered from heart conditions and underdeveloped lungs, remained in the unit for almost three months before they came home.

During that time Abby and her husband, Seamus, who also have a 14-year old daughter, Monica, spent every moment with their new additions to their family. Abimay was allowed home after 10 weeks and Gerard after 13 weeks.

Last week the twins, who have since both undergo heart surgery, celebrated their first birthday and are looking forward to a bright future.

Having seen first-hand the care at the neonatal unit the couple now want to give back to say thanks for all the help they received.

They have launched "Tiny Steps for Preemie Babies” which is a 5k and 10k fun run at the Top of Coom pub next Sunday, March 19, at 12pm. There are two routes – a 5k and 10k both starting at the Top of Coom Bar and crossing the border from Kerry into Cork and back again.

More details can be found on the Facebook event page Tiny Steps for Preemie Babies.
 


 
Eileen Creedon, Abby and Seamus O’Leary and their twins, Abimay and Gerard and daughter, Monica.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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