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Hugh O’Flaherty Society to scale down activities

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SCALING DOWN: Pictured at the 2012 Humanitarian Award to Sr Agnes Hunt of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas are the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny, British Ambassador Dominic Chilcott, Papal Nuncio John Brown, Killarney Mayor Cllr Sean O’Grady and various members of the O’Flaherty Memorial Society and the O’Flaherty family. Photo: MacMonagle Photography

 

By Sean Moriarty

The Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award will not be presented in 2020 after members decided to greatly reduce its activities in the town.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society was founded by the Killarney Chamber in 2008.

Its key objectives at the time were to erect a permanent memorial in Killarney town centre, present an annual award in his name and to increase awareness of his humanitarian work through school programmes and student projects.

On the 50th anniversary of his death, October 30, 2013 a bronze memorial was unveiled on Mission Road in Killarney fulfilling the committee’s first objective.

The annual humanitarian award was first presented in 2009 and last year was given to members of the Irish Defence Forces in recognition of their 60 years of peacekeeping humanitarian missions with the United Nations.

The Society confirmed this week that last year’s award will be the last to be presented for the foreseeable future.

“Following the 2018 Memorial Weekend which marked a decade of Humanitarian Awards, the Society Committee met in early 2019 to review its activities and for a number of reasons such as resources, costs and logistics, a decision was taken to reduce the future Programme of Activities after the 2019 Humanitarian Award Ceremony,” Chairperson of the Society, Jerry O’Grady, said.

However, the Society will continue to engage with local schools and students.

“For the foreseeable future the Memorial Society will be confining its activities to continued interaction with primary schools in terms of competitions and, with students at second and third levels as a resource for projects and dissertations etc.,” he added.

“Also, we will continue to promote the Monsignor's story through the media and the arts. From our extensive family and society archives, we have already helped with the publishing of a number of books and articles, and the creation of theatre and TV productions, including Donal Courtney’s acclaimed drama ‘God Has No Country’.”

Jerry confirmed that award-winning author Joseph O'Connor’s next novel will focus on Monsignor O'Flaherty and the Rome Escape Line.

 

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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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