Connect with us

News

Little Alexis gets surprise Garda visit

Published

on

MINI GARDA: Alexis O'Mahony from Woodlawn lit up when she received a visit from local Gardai and will later this year become an honorary member of the Force.

By Michelle Crean

A four-year-old little girl will be the first Killarney child to graduate as an honorary Garda after receiving a surprise house visit by the local members of the Force on Friday last.

Alexis O'Mahony from Woodlawn lit up with excitement when local Gardai paid a house call as part of their Little Blue Heroes (LBH) charity work which helps children who are ill or have special needs.

Garda Gillian Mac Eoin, Sharon Maybury, Michelle Reddy, Emmet Flanagan, John Crowley and Mark Foley called by in a Paddy Wagon and two patrol cars and handed her a Garda jacket and hat to wear.

Alexis, daughter of Steve and Teresa, suffers from Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDHD) a condition that affects her ability to breakdown food to fuel the body which results in side effects that include Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy.

Her dad Steve told the Killarney Advertiser that she really enjoyed it - as did the neighbours once they knew why their estate was surrounded by Gardai.

"She was smiling right throughout when we were outside with them. She seemed to enjoy all the stimulation as she's been inside for the last few months."

Over the last few months Alexis received a number of gifts from the Gardai including an Easter egg, Gardai beanie hat, and a Tesco voucher was kindly given to her parents.

She'll later be given a specially made Garda uniform which is currently being made, her liaison officer Garda Gillian Mac Eoin told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We put on an extra small Garda jacket on her on Friday and her face just lit up as soon as did it. We're getting her little uniform made."

Gillian explained Little Blue Heroes is a lovely way to help distract children who are sick or may be going through difficult times.

"It something different for the kids to distract them. They go through enough. It's great to give them some extra special attention.

LBH are brilliant. They send toys and financial assistance to families and if the family needs anything like a Garda escort in an emergency they know we're there and who to contact."

And later this year Alexis will become a mini Garda graduate, she added.

"We don't know when yet due to COVID but it'll be in the next few months all going well."

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport