Connect with us

News

Additional beds for community hospital welcomed

Published

on

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has given a warm welcome to the news that nine of the upstairs beds at Kenmare Community Hospital will finally be open following almost seven years of campaigning.

The €8m, 40-bed Kenmare Community Hospital, opened in 2013 but never beyond 50 percent bed capacity.

However, official confirmation from the HSE sees an additional nine beds opening tomorrow (Monday July 6).

“These beds are much needed by members of our community. I have always been critical of the HSE delaying the opening of these beds but this is a welcome development. So too is the confirmation that more beds will happen in the future,” Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said.

He is also urging the new Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to ensure that promises that were made to nurses across Ireland on pay are followed up on, as “banks don’t accept praise as a form of payment when nurses try to pay their mortgages”.

“Nurses all across Ireland were first up to the battle lines during the COVID crisis, and while it was great to see lines of people clapping their efforts, it is more important for them to be guaranteed the payment promises that were made to them to end the 2019 strike will be fulfilled, especially now in a time of great financial uncertainty.”

Recently it was confirmed to the Oireachtas COVID-19 committee that Ireland had highest rate of infection from Coronavirus of all health workers globally with nurses the highest to contract the virus.

Deputy Healy-Rae also highlighted that catering staff have also been working for 13 years without any pay rise and asked the Minister how much longer that this would continue.

Advertisement

News

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 […]

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

Published

on

By

The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport