News
The art of communication
O
ONE mistake we all make time and time again is measuring someone’s abilities against our own – particularly the ability to communicate. This is never more prevalent than when it comes to getting behind the wheel of our cars. On Tuesday night I was picking up a colleague from The Brehon Hotel. There was a space available in front of the hotel. I drove straight into the available space. There was an unoccupied car parked in front and as I pulled in another car parked to the other side.
The driver and passenger of the unoccupied car returned. I switched off my lights and reversed back to aid their exit. The car parked to their rear also reversed to give room. At this point the driver started flashing their lights and I could barely made out a silhouette in the passenger seat waving frantically.
I am greatly amused by this stupidity. Hand gestures are redundant when you are shining a bright light in the face of the intended recipient of your hand gestures. This is the first clue that these people don’t understand basic communication skills.
Eventually, to my amusement, flashing lights clearly wasn’t communicating their request (or maybe it was my inability to understand “Morse Code”!) so the driver eventually felt the need to communicate by exiting their car and delivering the request in person to give them more space. However, I had done this prior to the request – so much so, my parking sensor was constant. I could move back no further.
Moments later my colleague’s arrival prompted our departure. With no manoeuvring required, we drove straight out of the space – clearly demonstrating the ample space available. As I moved away from the blinding lights of their car a cowardly Neanderthal male figure – the occupant of the passenger seat – came into focus offering obscene middle finger hand gestures.
I drove off amused at the limited skill by both occupants to communicate a simple request – a request, if delivered in the appropriate manner, I would have duly executed.
On my return to the hotel later that evening, I discovered that the unoccupied car had obscured a “no parking” sign – clearly indicating that neither one of us should have parked where we did. In my defence, I couldn’t see the sign but it clearly demonstrates the knock-on effect of people not understanding basic communication skills.
Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death
Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.
According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.
This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.
Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:
“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.
“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.
“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.
“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”
“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.
“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”
Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”
Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off
Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.
It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.
The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.
The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.
An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.
“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”
Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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