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Air Ambulance service gets vital short-term funding lifeline 

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By Sean Moriarty

The Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR), which operates the volunteer air ambulance service based in Millstreet, has avoided being grounded for the time being.

Last week, the Killarney Advertiser reported that the service faced an uncertain future as ICRR no longer had enough funds to pay bills like fuel and pilots wages.

The local air ambulance service has been in operation since last July and has flown on over 350 missions.

It faced grounding on Friday last unless urgent funds were found, and despite cross-party lobbying the Government did not support the service.

All seemed lost until the helicopter’s provider Sloane Helicopters and its leasing partner, Milestone Aviation, offered a six-week break in leasing payments.

“I want to say a big thank you to Sloane helicopters for supporting the Irish people in these dark times, allowing the air ambulance, in the short term, to go on saving lives,” John Finnegan, volunteer chairperson of ICRR, said.

“It was apparent this week even with all the political support that was provided by a number of cross-party politicians that were lobbied by concerned members of the public, no interim financial support is going to come from the Government.”
The lifeline has given the Air Ambulance vital chance of survival but Mr Finnegan is calling on Irish-based multinational companies to help offset some of the costs.

He cited UK based fuel supplier BP’s support of similar Air Ambulance Services in England and Wales.

“BP has come in to sponsor the helicopter fuel for the air ambulance services [over there],” he added, “We need a number of companies based in Ireland to please step up and be brand partners with us so we can continue the delivery of this life-saving service.”

Anyone who is in a position to help is urged to contact ICRR on 021 4190 999 as soon as possible.

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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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