Connect with us

News

Sadness at the death of popular local man

Published

on

NEILIE GRIFFIN: Former Gleneagle Lakers team manager Neilie Griffin with his wife Mary and grandson Kai Tangney at a Scotts Lakers match in Killarney Sports Centre earlier this season. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

By Eamonn Keogh

Killarney bid a fond farewell to popular local man Neilie Griffin, who passed away last weekend after a brave battle with illness. Neilie, from Pinewood Estate and formerly of Moulagh, Fossa, Killarney, was a familiar face in Killarney town through his dedicated work with the local Council.

Since the sad news of Neilie's death last Friday, there have been many warm tributes to the popular man on social media. The words 'True Gentleman' feature prominently by several people recalling their fond memories of Neilie.

At Neilie's Funeral Mass on Monday, Fr Jim Linehan described him as a great family man and recalled his outstanding work with the Council and his wonderful commitment to St Paul's Basketball Club.

Neilie's former work colleagues in Killarney Town Council and members of St Paul's Basketball Club provided guards of honour as they escorted the funeral cortege from O'Shea's Funeral Home through Killarney town on Sunday evening, and at The Church Of The Resurrection on Monday.

Neilie was also well-known in sporting circles where he gave tremendous service to St Paul's Basketball Club for several years. During the ‘90s and noughties, Neilie was the team manager with the St Paul's Senior Men’s National League teams that played under the Kerry Spring and Gleneagle Lakers banner. He travelled the length and breadth of the country with the team and was a popular and respected figure among the players and officials. Always reliable and obliging, no job was ever too big or small for Neilie, who was also very instrumental in spearheading various fundraising initiatives for the club.
Neilie, and all the Griffin family, have given St Paul's excellent service on and off the court over the years. His wife Mary was a very active member of the club's juvenile committee for many years and one of their proudest moments in basketball was to witness their daughter Diane representing Ireland on the international stage. Their son John was also an outstanding player winning an U19 national cup with St Paul's in 1997 and played in the SuperLeague for several years with Gleneagle Lakers. Their other daughters, Siobhan and Aislinn, also represented St Paul's at various levels.

Neilie's interest in basketball never waned and he was delighted to see the return of national league basketball to Killarney two years ago after an absence of nearly a decade. Despite battling an unfortunate illness, he was a regular at Scotts Lakers home games in Killarney Sports Centre and always had a kind word for everyone.

Neilie is survived by his wife Mary, son John and daughters Diane, Siobhán and Aislinn, and extended family.

 

[caption id="attachment_26250" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] St Paul's Basketball Club and staff from Killarney Town Council providing guards of honour for the funeral cortege of popular local man Neilie Griffin through Killarney town on Sunday evening. Picture: Eamonn Keogh[/caption]

 

 

Advertisement

News

Killarney Valley AC to host fundraising quiz at The Laurels

Published

on

By

Killarney Valley Athletic Club will hold a fundraising quiz night at The Laurels on Wednesday, December 3 at 8pm.

Teams of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part, with prizes and spot prizes to be won.

The event has been organised by members of the club’s social running group to help raise funds for day-to-day club costs and ongoing refurbishment works at the track.


Quizmaster Cathal Walshe will host the night, and organisers say attendees can expect a wide mix of questions.

The Laurels has come on board as venue partner, with thanks extended to Kate O’Leary and her team.


Club representatives said the fundraiser is an opportunity for families, friends, and local quiz fans to support the club while enjoying an evening out.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

BREAKING:  N22 Killarney–Farranfore road gets formal National Development Plan commitment

BREAKING:  N22 Killarney–Farranfore road gets formal National Development Plan commitment

Published

on

The N22 Killarney–Farranfore section of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor is to be formally included in the Department of Transport’s Sectoral Plan, part of the National Development Plan (NDP) Review which is to be published today.

The Government has explicitly committed that this major infrastructure project, estimated to cost well over €200 million, will reach construction within the lifetime of this NDP, by 2030.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae TD and Deputy Danny Healy-Rae TD have welcomed the decision, describing it as a “historic and long-overdue commitment.”

Minister Michael Healy-Rae stated the commitment is the “clearest and strongest” ever made to the project, adding that the Killarney–Farranfore Bypass is finally being treated as a strategic national investment.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae highlighted the recent allocation of €3 million secured earlier this year, which he stated was vital for advancing topographical surveys, ground investigation works (which began on November 3rd), and the detailed planning and design phase.

Strategic Importance for Kerry

Both Deputies stressed the bypass is vital not only for Killarney but for the entire county, citing its importance in: strengthening the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, easing congestion in Killarney town and Farranfore village, improving safety along the N22 route, supporting long-term economic development in the region.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae concluded by thanking the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Minister for Transport for supporting the project’s inclusion, stating, “Their commitment ensures that this project is now firmly positioned for delivery.”

BREAKING:  N22 Killarney–Farranfore road gets formal National Development Plan commitment

The N22 Killarney–Farranfore section of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor is to be formally included in the Department of Transport’s Sectoral Plan, part of the National Development Plan (NDP) Review which is to be published today.

The Government has explicitly committed that this major infrastructure project, estimated to cost well over €200 million, will reach construction within the lifetime of this NDP, by 2030.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae TD and Deputy Danny Healy-Rae TD have welcomed the decision, describing it as a “historic and long-overdue commitment.”

Minister Michael Healy-Rae stated the commitment is the “clearest and strongest” ever made to the project, adding that the Killarney–Farranfore Bypass is finally being treated as a strategic national investment.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae highlighted the recent allocation of €3 million secured earlier this year, which he stated was vital for advancing topographical surveys, ground investigation works (which began on November 3rd), and the detailed planning and design phase.

Strategic Importance for Kerry

Both Deputies stressed the bypass is vital not only for Killarney but for the entire county, citing its importance in: strengthening the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, easing congestion in Killarney town and Farranfore village, improving safety along the N22 route, supporting long-term economic development in the region.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae concluded by thanking the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Minister for Transport for supporting the project’s inclusion, stating, “Their commitment ensures that this project is now firmly positioned for delivery.”

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport