Connect with us

News

‘Homelessness is not caused by asylum seekers or immigrants,’ say Barraduff sisters

Published

on

F

FIVE sisters have set up a petition as a reaction to the recent protest at Linden House in Killarney.

The protest, which took place in December as the first of 55 male asylum seekers moved into the former guesthouse on New Road, saw picketers call for solutions to the homelessness crisis.

Concerns were also raised about an absence of consultation between the Department of Justice and the community on the decision as to the use of Linden House.

Augustine, Mala, Martina, Julianna and Ava O'Donoghue, originally from Barraduff, said they found the image of the protest “very disturbing” and felt it targeted “a vulnerable group living in Killarney”. “Asylum seekers, like those in Killarney, have fled war, persecution and torture. The idea that they are in some way privileged or favoured over the so-called ‘native’ Irish is completely false,” they stated.

They added: “Homelessness is not caused by or exacerbated by asylum seekers or immigrants.”

Focusing on one house in Killarney where asylum seekers are seeking refuge “is outrageous and complete flawed”, added the sisters. “The solution to the housing crisis is to build more social housing and utilise the existing 180,000 homes that currently lie empty," said Mala.

The sisters set up the petition at Change.org

At the protest, Independent councillor Donal Grady addressed the gathering, before handing in a petition stating the concerns of the protesters, outlining the lack of consultation with the community. “Firstly, to make clear we believe that people from war-torn areas like Iraq and Syria should be accepted in our country,” Cllr Grady said before outlining concerns about the lack of consultation."

Days ahead of the confirmation that Linden House would be used as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers, Kerry County Council member Donal Grady had called for the property to open its doors to homeless people in Killarney.
 


 
Above: Ava and Martina O'Donoghue with their petition.

Advertisement

News

Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

Published

on

By

Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

Published

on

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport