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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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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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