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Do we need an award for Killarney’s unsung heroes?

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READERS have been swift to contact us with suggestions for locals deserving of recognition after we ran a story that asked the public if they thought an award scheme should be set up for Killarney’s unsung heroes.

Opinion had been divided following the awarding of the Order of Innisfallen to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
The Cairde Chill Arne Order of Innisfallen awards scheme is a joint initiative between Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Kerry County Council. It was established in 2005 to recognise outstanding contributions of people to the economic development of the town and its tourism industry.

But there seems to be a feeling that the general public has not been represented. As one disgruntled reader said: “Do we have anybody worthy of this in the county of Kerry?”

Prior to the Oder of Innisfallen, the Knights of Innisfallen was set up as a separate tradition to acknowledge local people who contribute to Killarney.

On the night it was set up a group of locals in the back of Courtney’s pub decided that this award wasn’t in the spirit of Killarney – being far too lofty – and vowed to set up a rival award, the Serfs of O’Donoghue’s Rock – an award/honour for a local by the locals.

Is there scope for an award representing locals and those who contribute to Killarney on a daily basis, from people involved in tourism, sport and other ventures?

Why not consider the likes of broadcaster Weeshie Fogarty or Michael Leane, historian and longest-serving member of the Knights of Malta, or those like Con O’Leary of The Laurels who has been meeting and greeting tourists for decades, leading ladies of our local hotel industry or Theresa Irwin, National President of Soroptimists Ireland this year, or Eileen Switzer? Eileen has a lifetime’s involvement in sporting organisations. While she has received the national Women in Sport award, she has never been acknowledged locally.

Posthumous awards could be given to honour people like hotelier Maurice O’Donoghue, or our very own Danny Casey, who founded Killarney Advertiser. The list is endless.

What do you think?
 


 
The recent Order of Innisfallen award ceremony. Pic: Don MacMonagle

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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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.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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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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