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‘We are on Cloud Nine following return of missing defibrillator’

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Tom Geaney with from left, Eilish Coffey, Damien Baker and Leo O'Connor from the project group 'Heart of Killarney'. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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THE dedicated Heart of Killarney volunteers have said they are relieved and delighted following the return just after lunchtime today of a missing defibrillator on Main Street.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) was removed from the landmark telephone kiosk sometime between Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday.

Volunteers behind the life-saving project promptly issued a plea for its return and Damien Baker of the Heart of Killarney has just confirmed that it has been replaced.

Heart of Killarney volunteer Eilish Coffey made the discovery within the last half hour. “We are on Cloud Nine at its return. To say we were gutted and disheartened when it could not be located is an understatement,” Damien told Killarney Advertiser.

“We would like to thank the person who returned it as well as Killarney Gardaí who dedicated such effort to finding it also. We are very grateful to the Gardaí as well as to Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Kerry County Council for their continued support.”

The Heart of Killarney project, which was launched last year, is one that is being emulated by other towns. “Plans are at an advanced stage for defibrillator phone boxes for both Fossa and Woodlawn and a national rollout is also underway,” added Damien.

Additional security measures have been put in place to protect the Main Street defibrillator, including a code-lock and 24-hour CCTV system. “We understand the risks of having an accessible AED but the benefits need to outweigh the risks and we are striking a balance between ensuring it is accessible and keeping it safe,” added Damien.

Heart of Killarney will be organising a fundraiser in current weeks to offset the costs the new 24-hour security measure.

 


 
Above: At the launch of the defibrillator phonebook project last year were Tom Geaney with from left, Eilish Coffey, Damien Baker and Leo O'Connor from the project group 'Heart of Killarney'. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE

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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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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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