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Kidney Respite Centre opens in Killarney

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By Sean Moriarty

A new holiday house for kidney transplant patients and those on dialysis has just opened in Killarney.

The new facility on the Muckross Road will allow patients enjoy a holiday while undergoing treatment or recovering from a transplant operation.

It is managed by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) with support from the local branch.

The Killarney facility is the second one in the county, an existing holiday house in Tralee has been in operation since 2006.

Patients can liaise with the IKA’s head office in Dublin and they will allocate a week’s holiday at the house while at the same time booking in their thrice-weekly treatments at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) in Tralee. The facility is also suitable for patients who can self-treat and one of the bedrooms in the house is converted into a home dialysis unit.

Last week Galway man John Keady became the first kidney patient to use the new facility.

Since his transplant in 2015, he has been unable to work which meant current finances would not allow for holidays.

“It was like a five-star hotel,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is a fantastic facility and I was able to enjoy a proper holiday.”

So far the local branch of the IKA have raised over €180,000 for the facility, mainly through the annual Ring of Kerry Cycle, but fundraising remains on-going to pay for the upkeep of the house and to purchase additional equipment.

Proceeds from this Sunday’s Ring of Kerry Honda 50 run will go towards the new facility which will be officially opened in September.

“Fundraising is on-going to pay for maintenance,” Theresa Looney, Local Branch Secretary told the Killarney Advertiser. “We run it on behalf of the IKA and manage bookings, cleaning staff and thing like that. There are 500 people all over Ireland awaiting a transplant and this will allow them to have one week holiday respite in Killarney.”

The annual Honda 50 run was launched on Thursday evening – more details in our dedicated motoring section on page 54.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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