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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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Unique reflexology class welcomes four sets of twins

A highly unusual baby reflexology class is currently underway at the Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre, featuring four sets of twins. The four-week course, which commenced this week marks a […]

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A highly unusual baby reflexology class is currently underway at the Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre, featuring four sets of twins.

The four-week course, which commenced this week marks a rare occasion for the town as it is the first baby reflexology class in eight years to be made up entirely of twins.

Run by Una O’Donoghue of Reflexology Killarney, the weekly sessions are designed to provide a relaxed, social environment where new parents can connect with one another. Throughout the course, local mothers learn gentle reflexology techniques aimed at promoting bonding and supporting infants experiencing common issues like digestion difficulties and disrupted sleep.
Among those taking part in the unique July sessions are mothers Áine Cahill with her twins Páidí and Éabha, Tracey Cremin with her twins April and Noah, Miranda O’Shea with her twins Nora and Hailey, and Eileen Cooper with her twins Caoimhe and Odhran. The classes will continue at the Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre through mid-July.

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Musical Society announces production team for 2027 show ‘Sister Act’

Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act. The production will run from March 20 […]

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Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act.

The production will run from March 20 to 4 next year at the Gleneagle Arena, with details regarding upcoming auditions and ticket sales expected to be announced shortly.
Award-winning director Oliver Hurley, owner of the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, returns to take the helm for what will be his 16th production with the society.
Joining the team for the first time is choreographer Barbara Meany, who was recently awarded Best Choreographer (Gilbert Section) at the prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards.
Returning to lead the musical department is Jimmy Brockie, marking his fourth show as Musical Director for the society. Brockie will collaborate with a full live orchestra every night. Working alongside him is Sorcha O’Connor, who returns as Choral Mistress to rehearse and develop the vocal performances of the cast.
Newly appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Killarney Musical Society, Lisa Campbell said:
“With such a talented production team secured, everyone at Killarney Musical Society is incredibly excited to begin work on Sister Act. We are looking forward to bringing this uplifting, hilarious, and high-energy show to local audiences at the Gleneagle Arena in March 2027.”

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