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Kerry’s ageing population requires new thinking about services for older people

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KILLARNEY has the distinction of having the oldest population among large towns in the country and overall Ireland is pushing on in terms of age, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office which show Kerry and Mayo are its oldest local authority areas.

Killarney is Ireland’s oldest large town with an average age of almost 41, while the average age of Dingle’s population is almost five years older than the national average, the CSO figures reveal.

And as the county’s average age now stands at 40.2 compared to national average of 37.4, Kerry Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil has said the Government must start to plan for the provision of health and care services to deal with increasing demand. “This data should act as a wakeup call to the Government, and stimulate a debate on the type of services that having an older population in the county requires,” said Deputy Brassil.

“We are already struggling to provide enough home help hours, respite packages and general care services for older people living in the county. How will the State cope as the population gets older, and lives longer?"

There are now 25,034 people living in Kerry who are over the age of 65, a full 19% increase since 2011. This figure is only expected to rise over the next 10-15 years. “We know that the Fair Deal Scheme is under pressure, and as the population increases, it’s time for us to look at different ways of supporting older people,” said the Kerry TD.

“My party brought forward a bill earlier this year which would have given older people a statutory right to care in their home, and not just a right to care in a nursing home.

“The evidence is clear: older people do better if they can stay in their home, surrounded by their family, friends and community.

“However, a change of this nature requires the Government to plan, secure resources and put in place the supports to deliver such a service.

“The time for planning is now if we are to get ahead of the curve, and ensure that every older people can have a decent quality of life.”

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Tributes paid to former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty

Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty. A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of […]

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Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty.

A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of the famous Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who saved thousands of lives during World War II.
Since the formation of the Memorial Society in 2008, Judge O’Flaherty and his sister Pearl served as its inaugural patrons. He remained a dedicated supporter of the organization by assisting with fundraising efforts, connecting the society with international contacts, securing archive memorabilia, and advising authors and filmmakers working to preserve his uncle’s legacy.
Together with his late wife Kay, he was a regular attendee at society functions across Dublin and Killarney and participated in several of its Rome tours. The society described him as an “irreplaceable touchstone” for all matters relating to Monsignor Hugh.
Kerry TD Michael Cahill also paid tribute to the former Supreme Court judge, describing him as an outstanding public servant who dedicated his life to the law and the Irish State.
Deputy Cahill highlighted Judge O’Flaherty’s strong lifelong connection to South Kerry, his commitment to preserving his uncle’s humanitarian legacy, his charitable work, and his passion as one of Kerry GAA’s greatest supporters.
Judge O’Flaherty is survived by his sister Pearl, his children Bríd, Catherine, Hugh, and Rory, and his extended family.

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Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final

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Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final


Three pupils from Gaelscoil Faithleann are heading to Belfast this weekend to represent Kerry in the All-Ireland Final of the Comhrá Gaeilge competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.


The journey began back in March, when extra practice sessions got underway for approximately 30 students preparing for Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in Cahersiveen at the end of May.
The school enjoyed great success at the county level, with eight pupils qualifying for the Munster Fleadh in Lismore on Friday, July 17. Following another strong performance in Waterford, an outstanding three pupils, Aideen, Brynn, and Josie, progressed to the All-Ireland Final in Belfast.
The competition offers young speakers a valuable platform to build confidence in spoken Irish, operating in a similar style to the Leaving Certificate oral examination. The well-known saying, “Beatha teanga í a labhairt” (“The life of a language is in speaking it”), perfectly reflects the spirit of their achievement.
Principal Lisa Ní Iarlaithe said that the entire school community is behind the three finalists and is immensely proud of their remarkable success. Reaching the All-Ireland Final is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and love of the Irish language, and everyone at Gaelscoil Faithleann wishes Aideen, Brynn, and Josie the very best of luck in Belfast.
Comhghairdeas ó chroí leo go léir!

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