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St Mary of the Angels face funding cuts

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By Sean Moriarty

 

A second Kerry-based disability care provider - St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort - will be forced to cut services after the HSE announced a county-wide cut of €160,000.

Last week the Killarney Advertiser revealed that Kerry Parents and Friends, which cares for 270 special needs patients, and is headquartered in Killarney, was left with a €60,000 shortfall in funding.

The Beaufort facility is home to 76 people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Many residents have been living there for most of their lives.

It was founded by the Franciscan Sisters in 1968 on land donated to them by local couple Denis and Mary Doyle.

It is currently operated by St John of God Kerry Services which provides training, employment, social and residential programmes for over 300 children and adults.

As well as St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort, St John of God also operate in Cahersiveen, Castleisland, Dingle, Kenmare, Killarney, Killorglin, Listowel and Tralee.

“In 2009, our annual HSE Allocation was €17.2m,” Claire O’Dwyer, General Manager St John of God Kerry Services, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“In 2019 the allocation was €16.9m. Yet over this 10 year period, the level of service provided in Kerry grew significantly with a new day centre opening in Tralee and expansions in Listowel, Killarney and Killorglin.

“Over the last two years we have suffered further significant cuts totalling €272,000 and a further cut of €160,000 has been imposed for 2020. These cuts have been a significant contributor to our financial deficit which has come in at €1.25m for each of the last two years.

“Yet at the same time, we are obligated by the standards regulator HIQA to meet the appropriate number, qualifications and mix of staff required for the number of residents, their needs and the size of the our centre at Beaufort. For these reasons, we are deeply concerned over this latest cut which will result in a reduction of existing service provision.”

St John of God Kerry is backing the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies campaign to reverse the €20m cut that has been imposed on the disability sector nationally ahead of next Saturday’s General Election.

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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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