Connect with us

News

SmallTalk: Adam talks to inspirational Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell

Published

on

â

“The one thing that motivates me every day is knowing that people are behind me and I’m being supported.” 

SmallTalk

Adam Moynihan caught up with inspirational Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell

to chat about his teammates, coming home and meeting Conor McGregor 

Well Ian. Welcome home.

Thank you.

How are you finding life back in Killarney?

I’m delighted. It’s different but it’s good.

Since your accident, the people here really seem to have rowed in behind you. How important has that been?

It’s unreal seeing the support. The one thing that motivates me every day is knowing that people are behind me and I’m being supported.

You met Conor McGregor recently… What was he like in person?

Very nice and very laid back. He stayed with me for 45 minutes. It was the best night of my life. Some people make him out to be very bad but when you meet him it’s a different story.

You’ve played football, soccer and hurling with Spa, Celtic, the Crokes and the Sem so I have a few questions about your teammates… Who would you least like to get stuck in a lift with?

Michael Horgan. Number one: he hates elevators. Number two: he’d panic and I’d just be trying to calm him down.

Who’s the biggest moaner?

Connie Cremin. He’d kick a ball wide and he’d say the laces were a bit out.

Who’s the worst dressed?

Diarmuid O’Donoghue.

What does he wear?

You could see him wearing crazy colours. Things like green bottoms and a big, bright pink top.

Who spends the most time in the gym?

Am I able to say myself?

You can.

Before my accident I used to go to the gym a load.

Who’s the best player you’ve ever played with?

Probably Cian Murphy. He’s a very good footballer.

And the best athlete?

I would say Conor Sheahan. He plays rugby with Munster.

Who’s your toughest ever opponent?

Paul O’Shea from Kilcummin.

What’s your proudest sporting moment?

Back under 14 I scored four goals for the Crokes hurlers.

That’s some going…

Yeah. I was very happy with that!

And the most embarrassing?

I was playing football one time and the ref threw the ball up for the second half. We won the hop and I got it and I kicked it straight into the other team’s full forward line. I forgot we switched sides at half time!

Haha… If you could meet any three sportspeople, living or dead, who would they be? I suppose you’ve already met one of them…

Yeah I’ve already met McGregor. I’d like to meet Marcus Rashford and Shane Long.

What are your five favourite sports in order?

Football, hurling, the gym, MMA and I like swimming as well.

What’s the best sporting moment of all time?

McGregor lifting the two belts.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t let something someone else said stop you from reaching your dream.

Do you have any nicknames?

Big Head.

Haha… Who gave you that one?

I don’t know who actually gave it to me but it seemed to get around the school fast!

Do you have any superstitions?

Don’t put new shoes on a table.

Yeah? That’s a strange one!

I’m a big believer of that. I got new shoes the other day. I hadn’t even worn them and the mother put them on the table. I nearly stood up to take them off!

What’s your favourite song at the moment?

Havana by Camila Cabello.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Eddie Murphy.

Haha… Okay, last one: can you tell me a joke?

My friend goes around breaking up fights in Dublin. His name is Liam Malone.

Haha… Not bad! Thanks for coming in, Ian.

No bother.

Advertisement

News

Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s

Published

on

By

Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s


World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.


The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Deerpark Retail Park placed on market for fifteen million euro

Published

on

By

Deerpark Retail Park in Killarney has officially been placed on the market with a guide price in excess of 15.4 million euro, excluding VAT.

International real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed as the sole sales agent to handle the high-profile commercial property sale on behalf of its current owner, Investcorp.

Investcorp, a global investment management firm headquartered in Bahrain, had previously acquired the prominent shopping complex.


The sale represents one of the largest commercial property offerings to launch in County Kerry this year.

Located roughly 1.3 kilometres west of Killarney town centre, the scheme enjoys strong regional connectivity and sits adjacent to independently owned operations including a Tesco Extra store, a Tesco petrol filling station, JYSK, and Aldi.


Constructed in 2006, the development extends across approximately 10,482 square metres, or 112,835 square feet.

The scheme comprises a mix of modern retail warehouse units and a complementary neighbourhood centre, offering 13 individual units in total with Part Open and Part Bulky Use planning permission.

The units range in size from 94.6 square metres up to 1,994.9 square metres. Visitors have access to approximately 248 customer parking spaces across the commercial grounds.

The park is currently 100 per cent occupied by a strong line-up of established national and international brands.

Key retail tenants include Marks & Spencer, Boots, DID Electrical, Maxi Zoo, and Mountain Warehouse.

The neighbourhood centre element accommodates service and convenience operators such as Costa Coffee, Card Factory, and Salon B.

The first-floor accommodation is fully let to Peak Performance Academy, which provides additional rental diversification.

Additionally, the scheme benefits from an agreement with Tesla to operate eight electric vehicle charging bays within the customer car park.


Commercial figures show that the property generates a total current rental income of 1,326,458 euro per annum, with a weighted average unexpired lease term of 4.45 years to break options and 6.46 years to lease expiry.

Cushman & Wakefield noted that the quoted guide price of 15.4 million euro reflects a net initial yield of 7.83 per cent, assuming standard purchaser costs of 9.96 per cent.

The selling agents highlighted that the fully occupied asset offers investors an attractive income profile alongside scope for additional income generation through parking commercialisation.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport