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‘I thank my kidney donor for giving me this opportunity’

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KILLARNEY native Con Brosnan returned this week after the experience of a lifetime and he was quick to pay tribute to the generosity of the organ donor who had made it possible. Con was one of the 27-member Transplant Team Ireland who touched down in Dublin Airport on Sunday.

All had notched top-class performances at the 21st World Transplant Games in Malaga both on and off the competitive field.

The Irish team won a total of 32 medals while at the same time demonstrating their zest for life, team spirit, sportsmanship and infectious goodwill while honouring their organ donors.

The Irish team’s impressive medals haul includes 14 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze from various sporting events.

It was the first World Transplant Games for Con Brosnan from Killarney to take part in and although he didn't bring home a medal from his golf events he said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the Games experience and spending time with the team who welcomed me and have become my extended family.”

He added: “I thank my kidney donor for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

Con was supported at the Games by Teresa and Pat Looney of the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association: “I want to thank Teresa and Pat Looney who travelled with me to the Games from Kerry as they were a great support.”

Team member, Dubliner Deirdre Faul (a liver transplant recipient), managed to break two world records in the swimming pool on her way to winning 4 gold medals, including her 6th world title in Squash.

The oldest member of the team and retired university lecturer John McAleer (age 79) from Jordanstown in Antrim, won a bronze medal in the golf singles event.

The team includes 4 liver transplant recipients and 23 kidney transplant recipients

The 21st World Transplant Games involved 1000 competitors from 51 countries and every athlete who competed will have received a kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas or bone marrow transplant.

For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ika.ie/card You can now download the IKA’s new digital donor card by visiting www.donor.ie on your smartphone. Your wishes to be an organ donor can also be included on the new format driving licence which is represented by Code 115.
 


 
Above: Con Brosnan, right, with Pat and Teresa Looney.

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Rugby Club launch new home jersey at Scotts Hotel

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Rugby Club launch new home jersey at Scotts Hotel


Killarney RFC officially unveiled their new home jersey for the upcoming 2026/2027 season during a launch event held at Scotts Hotel.


Club captain Matt McAuliffe presented the new shirt at the town centre venue, marking the official launch of the kit as the squad prepares for the new campaign ahead.
The club expressed its sincere gratitude to Scotts Hotel for their ongoing partnership and support. Killarney RFC members noted how proud they are to carry the name of a valued local sponsor on their jerseys throughout the season.

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Patient transfer to new hospital to begin on Monday

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Patient transfer to new hospital to begin on Monday



Following several false starts and long delays, the phased transfer of patients and residents to the new state-of-the-art Killarney Community Nursing Unit on Lewis Road is set to begin on Monday, August 10.



A major stumbling block regarding staff transfers and safe staffing levels was resolved following negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

With an agreement reached between the HSE and representative unions, including the INMO, SIPTU, and Fórsa, at long last, staff and residents are prepared to move into the new facility.

Welcoming the breakthrough, Councillor Marie Moloney expressed cautious optimism:

“It’s good news that an agreement has been reached with the staff and that transfer of residents and patients can finally take place to the Community Nursing Unit. So many families have been waiting for so long to see their loved ones transfer to this beautiful new facility. Let’s hope there will be no further delays.”

HSE National Director and Integrated Health Area Manager for Kerry, Julie O’Neill, confirmed that the agreement enables the facility to open safely on a phased basis:

“I welcome the agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission, enabling us to proceed with the opening of our new Community Nursing Unit in Killarney. I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this agreement and acknowledge the constructive engagement of all parties.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry and member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, Michael Cahill TD, also welcomed the news:

“This is very welcome news for older people and their families across Kerry. The new Killarney Community Nursing Unit has been eagerly awaited and I am delighted that agreement has now been reached to allow its phased opening from August 10. I know the delays have been a source of frustration for many families but today’s announcement provides certainty that residents will soon begin moving into this modern, purpose-built facility.”

Deputy Cahill acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved in negotiations, noting:

“I want to thank the HSE, the Workplace Relations Commission and the representative unions, the INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa for their constructive engagement in reaching this agreement. Ensuring safe staffing is essential, and I am pleased that a solution has now been found.”

He added:

“As a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, I will continue to work to ensure Kerry receives the healthcare investment and staffing it deserves. The opening of this new unit is a major step forward for residential care in our county, and I look forward to seeing residents welcomed through its doors from August 10.”

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