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Cancer fundraiser set up in memory of popular Killarney man

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FUNDRAISER: Derry O'Leary wanted to thank care staff who looked after him while he fought cancer so a fundraiser was set up in his memory.

By Sean Moriarty

A GoFundMe campaign set up in memory of a popular Killarney man has already raised €8,000 for cancer charities in the county.

Derry (Jeremiah) O'Leary, from Flesk Bridge House, Muckross Road, and formerly of Inch, Kilcummin, passed away on Easter Saturday after a long fight with the disease.

Derry was so thankful for the care he received in the Palliative Day Care and Palliative Care Hospice at University Hospital Kerry and the support from the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Nurses that it was one of his last wishes a fundraiser for these charities should be set up in his name after he passed.

He was well-known around Killarney having worked in a variety of roles with companies including Transmould, Dawn Dairies and finally Stryker Medical in Macroom.

An avid Liverpool fan he had travelled many times to Anfield to see his beloved Reds play. Derry also travelled to many race meetings across the country and abroad with Cheltenham being one of his favourites.

Indeed, it was at the Killarney Races where he first met his wife Helen Mannix, and later ended up proposing at the Galway Festival which became a yearly celebration for them.

Helen said she was thrilled with the response to the fundraiser.

“This is what he wanted, and I wanted to do it sooner rather than later," she told the Killarney Advertiser.

"He was very grateful to the staff at the three charities and would even look forward to his trip to University Hospital Kerry every Wednesday as his day out – they were so good."

Derry was an accomplished sportsman too and played for the Kilcummin GAA side that won the 1997 Intermediate Football Championship with his father Jerry as selector. He was also a keen soccer player with Anabla FC and Mastergeeha, and was a member of the 1994 St Brendan’s College team that won the Corn Uí Mhuirí.

His cousin Sean O’Leary also played for Kilcummin in 1997.

“Derry was a major part in us winning," he said.

"Derry got bad news over two years ago and faced his illness like every battle he faced on the field with determination and courage. May the sod lay lightly on Derry, my old teammate, cousin and loyal friend.”

To donate, go to GoFundMe: Derry O Leary Memorial Fund.

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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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