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Drone technology for search and rescue group

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Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT), who responded to 38 callouts and assisted 49 different people last year, plan to use drone technology for future search and rescue operations.

A new report issued by KMRT details the efforts the 35 volunteer members dealt with in 2019, and highlighted some of the future plans of the organisation.

“Approximately half of these occurred over the busy summer months,” KMRT PRO Colm Burke, said. “The callout profile has ranged widely, from fall injuries and medical assistance to casualty location and recovery operations. The majority of the callouts have occurred in the McGillycuddy’s Reeks with a number of callouts on the Beara and Dingle Peninsulas also.”

In total the team spent 4,300 operational hours on the mountains last year including 2,000 rescue hours. The other 2,300 hours were spent training.

“Team training hours have increased in the past 12 months with the addition of new training modules on drone operation and 4x4 driving techniques, along with regular training in the core competencies of first aid, casualty care and evacuation, technical ropework, navigation and radio communications. 2019 also saw the team involved in a number of inter-agency training operations and emergency simulations on Skellig Michael,” he added.

Unfortunately two people lost their lives on Kerry mountains last year and that has prompted KMRT to issue a warning ahead of the busy winter climbing season.

“With the short winter days, cold weather and dark skies, it's more important than ever to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains,” Colm said. “As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains. Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too. Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day. Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.”

 

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Special golf tournament to remember the late Dermot Galvin

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Special golf tournament to remember the late Dermot Galvin


The late and deeply missed Dermot Galvin will be remembered at a special charity golf tournament on June 26.

Michelle Cooper Galvin with her Husband Dermot Galvin, at a civic reception afforded to Michelle legendary Photographer, in recognition of her contribution to Killarney and Kerry, documenting and creating one of the most extensive records of daily life, sport, community, politics, and worthy charities through her lens for almost 50 years. Michelle began her photojournalism career with the Irish Examiner, before returning to her native Kerry to join The Kerryman Newspaper in 1979, covering the Killarney and South Kerry area. The civic award was presented by Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr. Niall Kelleher, joined by fellow members of Killarney Municipal District on Friday evening at the Killarney Town Hall, where she was joined by her family, friends, colleagues of The Kerryman Newspaper and Killarney Credit Union. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC


The ‘Teeing Up for Charity – The Dermot Galvin Classic’ is organised by his wife, the renowned local photographer Michelle Cooper Galvin.
The event will raise funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation’s Palliative Care Unit and Comfort for Chemo.
Organisers have issued the timesheet to participants and request that all players arrive at least 40 minutes before their tee-off time. Goodie bags will be provided on arrival.
The prize-giving ceremony and the presentation of cheques to the chosen charities will take place at approximately 8pm that evening.
“Your support means a great deal and helps the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Comfort for Chemo continue their invaluable work, while also honouring Dermot’s memory,” said Michelle.
There will be no raffle on the day, but raffle tickets are currently on sale in advance. Tickets can be purchased directly from Michelle on 082 583 3336.
Team payments must be made by Friday 19th June. Payments can be made to the Killarney Credit Union account under the name ‘Teeing Up for Charity’.

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Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’

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Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’


Down Syndrome Kerry has issued an appeal to participants of this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the organisation as their official charity partner under the campaign slogan “Pedal with a Purpose – Cycle for Our Future.”


As one of the main beneficiaries of the annual cycling event, the voluntary organisation relies on the fundraiser to sustain and expand its essential services for children, teenagers, and adults with Down syndrome across the county.
Funds generated from the cycle directly support early childhood to adulthood resources, including educational initiatives, speech and language therapy, social and recreational programmes, life skills development, advocacy, and direct family support systems.
Down Syndrome Kerry Chairperson John O’Connor highlighted the local impact of the fundraising partnership.
“The Ring of Kerry Cycle is hugely important for Down Syndrome Kerry and has been a huge help in expanding our services,” O’Connor said. “Through the assistance of the Ring of Kerry Cycle, we have been able to provide vital speech and language therapy to our members close to home in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Dingle, and Cahersiveen. Their support also helps us provide greater employment training and opportunities for our members. If you haven’t already signed up for Down Syndrome Kerry for this year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle, do so and help us provide our members and their families with the support they need for a better life.”
The demand for these local services continues to grow across the region, making community-led fundraising critical for the group’s operations.
Denis Cronin, a parent and committee member of the organisation, spoke about the long-standing connection to the event.
“Down Syndrome Kerry have a long association with the Ring of Kerry Cycle, going back nearly 30 years,” Cronin said. “It’s always a fabulous day out, organisation is first class, food stops and volunteers are fantastic, but from a cyclist viewpoint, most importantly, all money raised goes to charity.”
Cyclists and supporters looking to back the campaign or select their charity partner can access registration details through the official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle channels.

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