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Volunteer says Special Olympic trip was a “life-changing experience”

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And Special Olympic hero Gary welcomed home in Killarney and Castleisland

By Sean Moriarty

The Killarney woman who volunteered for the Irish team at the recent Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi has described her experience as “life-changing”.

Leanne Cronin, from Spa, has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Ireland for little over a year, after signing up for a scheme set up by her employer, Kerry Group.

She was the only Kerry person on the 74-strong volunteer team in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.

She witnessed first-hand the success of Castleisland athlete Gary O’Sullivan who won a gold and silver medal at the games.

Gary, a member of the Kerry Stars, won gold in the shot put competition and backed this up with silver in the 400m walk.

He returned to Kerry last weekend to a hero’s welcome at the Dromhall Hotel on Friday night after a Garda escort from the railway station. On Saturday night he was paraded through his native Castleisland.

“It was a privilege to share my Special Olympics World Games experience with Gary. Gary is a gent,” she said. “Although we approached the games from different angles I felt so fortunate to be in Abu Dhabi for the Games when a proud Kerry man displayed his best ability and put his hard months of training to good use. He raised the flag not just for Ireland those days, but Kerry also, and that made me very proud. It was phenomenal, the entire experience,” she added. “To witness the sportsmanship and the friends for life that I made from all over the world. We were treated like royalty over there and the people of the UAE were some of the friendliest people I met in all my travel. The experience was life-changing.”

Leanne started volunteering for Special Olympics Ireland last year and her first major event was the Dublin qualifiers in June and this prompted her to join the local Kerry Stars Special Olympic Club as a volunteer.

“I was lucky that Kerry Group set this up. I always wanted to volunteer but this helped me take the next step,” she added. “The great work that the Kerry Stars do in all sports is fantastic.”

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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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.

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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 […]

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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.

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