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Damaged sculptures now repaired

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THEY'RE FIXED: Dan Leen from Killarney DIY has fixed the vandalised wooden sculptures in The Demense. Photo: Michelle Crean

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By Sean Moriarty

Vandalised woodwork sculptures in The Demense have been repaired within a day – thanks to a kind-hearted local company.

The Leen family, who operate Killarney DIY, came to the rescue and have since repaired two sculptures which were broken on Wednesday night along the River Deenagh walk from the bridge on Port Road to Deenagh Cottage.

West Cork artist Sol Solomon created the seven works of art that represent a heron, a red squirrel, a kingfisher, an otter a pine marten and a white-fronted goose which were installed in March after being commissioned by the Killarney Looking Good Committee with support from Kerry County Council, with the idea to encourage children and members of the public to take an interest in the wild life in the park.

Earlier this week the white-fronted goose and the heron carvings were vandalised, the heron’s neck was snapped off and the goose was ripped from it base.
“It is heart-breaking,” Killarney Looking Good Chairperson Yvonne Quill told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

Dan Leen was able to create a wood-dowel and repair the point where the heron’s neck was snapped off.

The legs of the goose were too badly damaged to repair properly, but Dan created a round base and was able to re-install the sculpture on its plinth on Thursday morning.

 

“It is a shame to have to use my skills for something like this,” Dan told the Killarney Advertiser. “They are better served on something else. This is being done by people acting the gom, being the hardman, it is the same when you see flowers damaged.”

Both Dan and Yvonne suggested the installation CCTV cameras to monitor the area to prevent further damage in the future.

“They have caught people fly-tipping this way in the past,” Dan added.

 

 

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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