News
Gene makes an emotional return to UHK
DONATION: Denis Geaney and his ‘Team Geaney’ donated €27,465 to ICU in University Hospital Kerry this week. Funds were raised from charity cycle of the Ring of Kerry in July this year. Also pictured are: Gene Tangney, (centre) and his partner Máire O’Grady, daughter Fiadhna Tangney, and members of the Tangney family, Christina and Siobhan Tangney. Team Geaney members Derry Healy and Eileen O’Leary. Staff members of UHK include: Helena Behan, Theresa Winter, Siobhan O’Nuallain, Clodagh Stack, Dr Niamh Feely (Consultant Anaesthesiologist), Caitriona Hartnett (ICU), Ferghal Grimes (General Manager UHK) and Sarah O’Connell. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
By Michelle Crean
A trip back to University Hospital Kerry (UHK) proved very emotional for Killarney man Gene Tangney this week after contracting COVID-19 and spending four months in their care.
Gene was accompanied by Denis Geaney and his ‘Team Geaney’ to donate a generous €27,465 which was donated from the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in July.
Team Geaney organised the cycle after being inspired by Gene's will and determination to get better following his horrific Coronavirus battle resulting in medical professionals at the hospital placing him in an induced coma and ventilator to assist in his breathing for three months.
The night before the cycle, Gene’s friends and family were greeted with the amazing news that Gene from the Black Valley, though frail, had finally been released from UHK. The surprise visit was very emotional to see his dad and family in the Black Valley on that Friday night.
Making the donation this week, Gene was met with staff and management of the ICU at the hospital, it was very emotional for all, the atmosphere was palpable.
Today Gene is in need of much rehabilitation and ongoing treatment and the recovery is slow. Gene also presented a framed picture for the ICU ward in grateful appreciation to the care and attention he received.
“We were absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised," charity organiser Denis Geaney said.
"The generosity of people never ceases to amaze me. Gene together with his partner Máire and close family went through hell and back, they are so loved and respected in Kerry. We felt this was a very positive and practical thing to do for Gene and the ICU department. Honestly, it was the most enjoyable charity cycle in all my 37 years of the event.”
Gene, together with all the Tangney family, especially his son Feidhlim and daughter Fiadhna, partner Máire O’Grady, his dad Dikey, sisters Siobhan, Susan, Irene, Mary Rose, brother Derry, nieces and nephews, Gary, Christina, Claire, Michelle and Sinead, are so grateful to the medical team and hospital staff in UHK.
The 100,000 friends and well-wishers who lit candles in solidarity with Gene on Easter Monday night at 9pm kept them all going throughout his long ordeal.
“I would like to pay tribute to Denis Geaney and his team for organising this wonderful and worthy event," Gene said at the emotional presentation.
"I would also take this opportunity to thank each and every member of staff at UHK and especially the team in the ICU, without them I would not be here today. To everyone who sent me messages of support and held a vigil for me during my darkest hour, thank you all. To my dad, my family and great friends, who have stood by me, thank you so much. Finally, to Máire my partner, thank you for your ongoing love and care, I’m forever in your gratitude.”
Five local postmen retire with 185 years service
RETIREMENT NIGHT: Pictured at the retirement party held at Killarney Racecourse on Saturday, October 3, celebrating a combined 185 years of service with An Post, are Connie Brady, James Foley, Terry Potts, Pat Cronin, and D.J. Cahill.
Five well-known local postmen celebrated their retirement at a special function held at Killarney Racecourse on Saturday night, October 3.
The event brought together current and former An Post colleagues to mark the combined total of 185 years of service delivered across Killarney and surrounding areas.
Delivery Services Manager Terry Potts retired after 43 years with An Post. He began his career in Dublin, where he worked for 10 years, before moving to Killarney in 1993 for a further 33 years.
Pat Cronin completed an impressive 51 years of service between Killarney and Farranfore, spending 44 of those years delivering post on the Farranfore route.
James Foley served 35 years with An Post, delivering on routes across Killorglin throughout his entire career.
D.J. Cahill marked 32 years of service based out of Killarney post office, delivering mail across Killarney town, Killorglin, Kilcummin, and Headford.
Connie Brady retired following 24 years with the postal service, spending 17 years in Killarney town before completing his service in Killorglin.
The celebration offered local postal staff an opportunity to gather and catch up ahead of the busy Christmas rush.
Five local postmen retire with 185 years service
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