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Killarney mom plans national service dog programme for schools

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AUTISM CAMPAIGN: Deirdre and Shane Horgan from Killarney with their boys Fionn and Brian, and dogs Fifi and Bosco. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

After fundraising for a specialist dog for her son who suffers from Autism - and seeing the enormous benefits - a Killarney mother is now hoping to roll out a national plan to bring service dogs to schools.
Deirdre and Shane Horgan, from Laccabane Village, got their dogs Bosco and Fifi through My Canine Companion Autism Service Dogs, for their son Fionn, following a huge fundraising drive. However, after Deirdre, who teaches in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, started bringing the dogs to school to help socialise them, she says she has also seen the enormous benefits for the students.
And it’s been such a huge success that now she’s planning to meet with the dog service over the Easter holidays to see if a programme could be rolled out to schools nationally.
She says seven year-old Fionn faces challenges with his condition, but since getting Bosco last year they have seen an improvement in his social skills as the dog has had such a calming influence.
With the support of Principal Dermot Healy, the students have not only become more aware of Autism and special needs, but are helping to fundraise for the charity also, she explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week.
“Bosco spends his days in the ASD unit where the students are benefiting greatly from his presence, along with the whole school community,” she said.
“Bosco joined the school as a 12 week old puppy and a year later he loves going to school.”
Six Transition Year students are involved in his training and they work on social interaction, distraction and basic training of the service puppy, she explained.
“Leadership and guidance has also been given to SNAs, teachers and students who interact with Bosco on a daily basis. SNAs and teachers involved have noticed a significant positive effect on students. Bosco has helped lessen the anxiety of one student, just being able to rub Bosco calms the situation. I’m hoping to meet with My Canine Companion over Easter as we’re looking at coming up with a programme for schools nationally.”

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Dr Crokes team of 2000: The reunion

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Recently, the Dr Crokes team of 2000, who won the Kerry senior football championship of that same year, re-united and looked back on fond memories of their glory days and that very special year when they beat An Ghaeltact in the final at Austin Stack Park.

On November 26, 2000, Dr Crokes faced An Ghaeltacht and defeated the Dingle-based side.

It was no easy task making the final for the Killarney side, despite having talent such as captain Roland Neher, Eoin Brosnan, and a 17-year-old Colm Cooper at the start of his illustrious career.

Before the final, Crokes defeated Killarney Legion (preliminary round), South Kerry (round-one), Rathmore (quarter-final), and narrowly defeated West Kerry by a point in the semi-final (1-08 – 1-07).

It was the first time An Ghaeltacht had qualified for the final, but this was no happy welcome for the Dingle side, as the Killarney-based side won their ninth title.

Like in the semi-final, Dr Crokes won by a point as they scarcely won by 1-04 – 0-06.

Despite Dara Ó Cinnéide ending the tournament as top-scorer with 3-20, he was unable to carry his Dingle side to victory with the Killarney side being superior.

Neher led his team out onto the pitch, and he inspiringly helped push his team to victory.

This ensured Harry O’Neill’s versatile and developed squad deserved every bit of praise for them.

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Killarney real estate agent, DNG Ted Healy wins national award

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Killarney estate agent DNG Ted Healy won the DNG Branch of the Year 2025 Award in the South West Region at the DNG National Awards Ceremony which took place at The Curragh Racecourse last week.

The Awards Ceremony brought together over 150 delegates from DNG offices nationwide. It was a vibrant day of celebration and connection; while recognising excellence, dedication and professionalism across the DNG network.

From insights into the future of Ireland’s property market, to the latest developments in the DNG exclusive partnership with Hamptons International, the event delivered a dynamic mix of knowledge, innovation and inspiration.

Established in 2005, DNG Ted Healy is a recipient of previous awards, having secured the DNG Small Branch of the Year award in 2003, in recognition of its high standards of service, and extensive local property knowledge across Killarney & Co. Kerry.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ted Healy, Managing Director, DNG Ted Healy, said: “As we approach 20 years in business, it’s a real honour to see our growth and commitment to Killarney recognised. From expanding our new homes offering to embracing new technology, our focus has always been on delivering the highest standards of service while staying rooted in our community. This award is a credit to our loyal clients and the trust they continue to place in us.”

The awards continue to highlight DNG’s commitment to excellence in estate agency and recognises offices and individuals who consistently deliver results and outstanding client service.

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