News
Over €30k raised in John’s memory
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Family, friends and well-wishers gathered in the Killarney Avenue Hotel recently for a coffee morning in memory of the late John Broderick. Popular Killarney man John, who tragically took his own life earlier this year, was fondly remembered at the event while much-needed funds were also raised for suicide prevention charity Pieta House.
Over €10,300 was raised at the coffee morning and a further €7,000 was collected at a similar event at Fexco in Killorglin, the workplace of John’s wife, Sandra. When online donations and cheques are taken into account, a phenomenal €32,600 has been raised for John’s Pieta House tribute page in just seven weeks.
Saturday’s gathering was made all the more poignant by the fact that John and Sandra celebrated their wedding at the same venue just six short years ago.
“Although it was difficult and upsetting for us remembering such happy times in that room just a short time previous, we also knew that what we were doing would help others who suffer with hopelessness and depression,” Sandra said.
“My husband John was an amazing person who did so much for charity. He was a kind, caring person who always put everyone else before himself. He was a fantastic husband and a proud father to our beautiful little girl Grace and I know he would so happy seeing what we have done to help others who struggle like he did.”
Sandra also expressed her family’s gratitude to everyone who helped make the morning so special.
“Me, Grace and John's family would like to thank the management and staff of the Killarney Avenue Hotel for their generosity and help setting up this event,” she said. “We would also like to thank Fexco for being such great work colleagues and friends who supported us the whole way through the organising and planning, the businesses in Killarney, Killorglin, Tralee, Castleisland and further afield who very kindly donated beautiful spot prizes, family and friends who went to the trouble of organising huge amounts of home baking, our entertainment and guest appearances who gave their time on the morning and close friends who helped out in every way possible to make the whole event the success it was.
“John’s work friends also showed huge support before and during the event and it meant a lot to us to see them all there on the morning, and to hear about their happy memories of John which they now cherish.”
Visit fundraise.pieta.ie/fundraiser/sandrabroderick to make a donation.
Pic: Sally MacMonagle.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.
Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke...
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
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