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Online petition to highlight COVID-19 concerns launched by Killarney man

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PETITION: David Harte from Aghadoe working on his online petition at his Australian home.

By Sean Moriarty

An online petition seeking help for the Irish in Australia has been launched by an Aghadoe man this week.

David Harte, who now lives in Perth, is concerned that Irish people are being overlooked by both the Irish and Australian governments in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Many were unable to get home before governments started shutting borders and many more have lost their jobs.

Others have tried, unsuccessfully, to get a flight or have paid over the top prices only to find flights cancelled once they arrive at the airport.

Many are in Australia on one or two-year working holiday visas and not entitled to social welfare or other assistance there.

Such visa holders are only allowed access to Australia’s Accident and Emergency services but cannot get government-supported medical services (Medicare) or welfare payments.

Others, like David, are on what are known as bridging visas after he married his Australian wife two years ago.

“I am lucky, I have family support here but others are not in the same position,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I work in construction and so far that is not shut down, but if it does I will have to rely on my wife’s income.”

Harte’s campaign has attracted the attention of Cllr Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Kerry, who has family living in Sydney, and MEP Sean Kelly.

“I am asking the Irish government not to forget us,” he said. “There are Irish associations, like the Claddagh Association in Perth, who can help and I hope the Irish government can release funds to these associations. It is going to get very serious, one estate agency in Sydney has already told all non-Australians who are renting property to get out as they won’t be able to pay the rent. I am aware of one Irish man who is diabetic and he cannot afford his medication as he is not working.”

He will send his online petition www.change.org: Irish Government Help The Irish In Australia – which has already been signed by 4,000 people - to the Irish government to highlight their plight.

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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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