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Situation at UHK is “dynamic and changing by the hour”

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University Hospital Kerry.

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EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

Under pressure staff at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) are having to adapt to a fast pace as they get to grips with the COVID-19 crisis which “is very dynamic and changing by the hour”.

With 72 reported COVID-19 cases in the county as revealed by the National Public Health Emergency Team last evening (Thursday), and believed to be at least two COVID-19 related deaths - one in Tralee and one in Mid-Kerry - the hospital is making a number of preparations should numbers continue to escalate.

As of yesterday, there was 3,849 confirmed cases and a total of 98 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

In UHK, a patient flow hub room has been established and is manned 24 hours a day, effectively the base for management of all COVID-19 inpatients at the hospital, while many medical staff from across the hospital are being redeployed and upskilled to assist their colleagues with COVID-19 patients. All other cohorts of staff are being deployed as required to meet daily changing demands.

Yesterday (Thursday), the hospital said that UHK is working closely with community partners to ensure the appropriate and timely discharging of vulnerable patients.

“The recent announcement regarding private hospitals is very much welcome, and here in Kerry, the additional bed capacity of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee will greatly assist in dealing with this crisis. Within UHK, works are nearing completion of an additional 30 bed ward which will also boost our capacity to manage COVID-19 patients. UHK is working closely with the South/South West Hospital Group and national logistics to ensure that all our staff have appropriate PPE to care for COVID-19 patients.”

‘Virtual Clinics’ have also been set up to continue the care of UHK patients to meet patients’ health care needs as the evolving COVID-19 issues have required cancellation of face to face outpatient clinics in UHK. Urgent face to face outpatient clinics are continuing in UHK, though very limited and based on urgent need only.

Maternity services are now taking place at the Institute of Technology. Patients are being contacted with regard to the change in location. Online videography has been prepared for Maternity Parent Education and will be shared on UHK’s social media this week.

Regarding visiting restrictions, women admitted for induction of labour or in labour can have one nominated companion. This companion can only join the woman when she is in labour or called for caesarean section. For all other inpatients, including antenatal inpatients and postnatal inpatients, no visitors are allowed, for patients in the neonatal unit, mothers only are allowed, and for outpatients, only the women attending the appointment are allowed – no partners, children or companions are allowed.

The Emergency Department at UHK is continuing to accept all emergencies and have set up a clear division pathway between normal emergency and respiratory (potential COVID-19) emergency patients.

UHK has been completely humbled by the outpouring of support from the community.

“For donations of medical supplies including PPE, FFP2 Masks Medical Grade, hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, surgical grade ear loop facemasks or tieback face masks, masks with face shields, goggles, isolation gowns and surgical gloves, our drop off location is Unit 1 B, Clash Industrial Estate, Monday to Friday from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm. From there, our logistics team will evaluate same and if suitable, UHK will utilise as part of our PPE replenishment daily. UHK is greatly inspired by the response of retired/ex staff who have joined with us working in areas such as contact tracing and occupational health. Our utmost gratitude is extended to these and the many volunteers who are assisting our efforts.”

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A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

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St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Talent at St Brigid’s Presentation

St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School was alive with music, song and celebration at their recent Trad Night 2026, a wonderful evening that showcased the rich cultural talent within their school and wider community.This special event was a joint fundraiser organised by their Gaelbhratach committee, promoting the Irish language and culture; their Yellow Flag committee, celebrating diversity and inclusion; and their dedicated Music Department. The night reflected the spirit of unity in the school, bringing together students from all year groups in a vibrant celebration of heritage through music, storytelling and dance. The programme featured an impressive lineup of performances including the brush dance, junior and senior set dancers representing local clubs such as Kilcummin and Spa, and a spectacular performance from Irish dancing World Champion Caoimhe O’Halloran. Thri junior and senior traditional groups performed beautifully, alongside the hugely talented Glenflesk Ballad Group, multiple All-Ireland award winners, who brought the audience to their feet. The evening was made all the more special with the generous sponsorship of tea and traditional brack from O’Sullivan’s Bakery, which was warmly enjoyed by all in attendance. The night concluded with a memorable performance from Deputy Principal, Liam McGill, who entertained the audience on guitar and vocals, accompanied by well-known local music teacher Rosie Healy and Aine McCann. St Brigid’s are immensely proud of all students who performed and contributed to making the night such a resounding success. Trad Night 2026 highlighted the extraordinary talent within the school and the strong sense of community that defines St Brigid’s Presentation.

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European title for Killarney handball star

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By Con Dennehy

Killarney handball star Owen Brosnan answered Ireland’s call at the weekend with a breathtaking display at the European One Wall Tour in London.

Currow native and Spa Killarney Handballer, Brosnan took on the best players in England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France and Israel and thanks to a superb display returned back to Kerry with a European gold medal following his phenomenal success in the Men’s C Plate competition.
Played at the Westway Sports Complex in London, more than 150 players took part in the competition on six indoor courts with Brosnan and his Killarney team colleague Tim Cronin playing 15 games over the two days. Following earlier round victories, Brosnan was paired with Tim Cronin in a Kerry dominated semifinal clash. This was an exciting high-octane game with both players producing a classic display of handball. Aces were hard fought with just one point separating both players at the end of a pulsating game. Brosnan advanced to the final on a 21-20 scoreline. “I was thrilled with my semifinal game. It was a hard-fought contest with all the training at the Spa GAA Hall helping me edge out a win. We train together and know each other strengths and weaknesses which added to the excitement of the occasion. We both teamed up in the Men’s B Plate Doubles competition reaching the semifinal where we were defeated by Matt Flapan and Gleb Spiridon, a USA/Israel combination,” said Owen.
Brosnan produced a superb display of fast paced handball in the Men’s C Plate final where his opponent was the highly fancied Josh Thomas from Wales. Using the court to his full advantage, the Killarney player produced a brilliant all-round performance to record a 21-18 victory and in the process his first major title.
“Naturally, I was delighted with the success. Both Tim and I started the sport by accident over 12 months ago when we attended an Open Family Day at Spa GAA Club. Brendan O’Donoghue, one of the founders of Spa Killarney Handball Club, was giving a demonstration of handball and invited us to try it out. We both enjoyed the experience and have been playing ever since. We are looking forward to the various domestic competitions over the coming months and really enjoy the training and fun element to the sport in the club.”

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