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Local teacher launches new copies to give pupils a helping hand

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NEW COPYBOOK: Holy Cross Mercy School teacher Breda Courtney Murphy released a new comprehensive children's writing copybook. She is pictured here alongside Senior Infant pupils Amelia Spillane and Lily O'Donoghue. Photo: Sally MacMonagle.

By Anne Lucey

The old art of handwriting has not died - but teachers may never have to dot pages again - thanks to a new copy designed by a local teacher.

Killarney school teacher, Breda Courtney Murphy, has been dotting the copies of young pupils for the last 22 years at Holy Cross Mercy, to help them master the art of writing.

With 37 years-experience as a teacher, Breda not only wrote a number of text books including ‘Start!’ a pre-reading/pre-writing skills book for Junior Infants, but she has also designed ‘Mrs Murphy’s Copies’ to take the frustration out of endless hours of dotting copies for teachers - as well as ease the way for new generations of hand-writers.

The copies, which are 100 percent Irish, come with instructions for posture and pencil grip for Junior and Senior Infants. They also have colourful semi-cartoon covers designed to make learning fun.

The pre-cursive copies with red and blue lines are pre-dotted to help young fingers trace their first writing marks and letters and are already printed and packaged.

Breda launched the new product at the recent INTO conference in Galway and they were an immediate hit.

“It is little known that while we are in the age of iPads and computers, teachers still spend hours dotting copies so children can form their first letters – but teachers are only too well aware of it,” Breda said.

The future artisans, surgeons and mechanics, may not use handwriting as much as before but the dexterity they learn through handwriting will always be necessary, Mrs Murphy explained.

“Children struggle with letter heights and the red and blue lines help them and offer support until they become confident writers.”

But the old proscription on the ciotóg is long gone and the natural inclination for writing with the left hand is fully accommodated in the new copies.

Junior Infant children can start their Pattern Copy on day one of the new school year. All 26 letters, lower case for Juniors and capitals for Seniors are developed. Words and sentences are phonetically based and there are sections with revision/assessment throughout.

Breda’s other text books include ‘Window on the World’ and ‘Exercise Your English’. Soon ‘Mrs Murphy's Copies’ is moving onto developing fully cursive handwriting copies for First Class onwards.

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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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