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Five schools – but one mission – to fundraise!

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FUNDRAISER: Students from five local schools are coming together to raise funds for palliative care by organising a Christmas Jumper Day on December 18. Pictured were: Isabella Dennehy, Jayden Hurley, Lizzie Linehan, Tomás Clifford, Keelyn O’Leary and Gavin White. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Michelle Crean

 

Last year's fundraiser was an overwhelming success - raising a whopping €12,000 - and now five schools are joining together to do it all again for another very good cause.

The Sem, Killarney Community College, Holy Cross Mercy, Presentation Monastery, and St Francis Special School - who last year held the fundraising Christmas Jumper Day in memory of the much loved past St Brendan’s College student Niall McGillicuddy, are once again combining their efforts - this time in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

On Friday, December 18 the students and staff across all five schools will don festive jumpers and donate to this very important facility; one which, like many others across the country, has seen its fundraising activities hit hard by the COVID crisis.

"We were honestly bowled over by the response to last year’s fundraiser – both across the participating schools and among the wider community," Elaine Moynihan, LCVP teacher said.

"The flurry of donations that arrived over the week of that fundraiser was completely unexpected and hugely significant in allowing us to raise the amount that we did. While 2020 has been a devastating year for many, it is also one which showed us the power of community spirit – the potential to achieve great things when we work together. Given the success of last year’s coordinated effort, it made sense that we approach the other schools and invite them to get involved. We were delighted, but not surprised, when all four, without hesitation, agreed."

She added that they are again hoping to have the same community support once again.

"We would love for the public to get behind this; particularly anyone who has benefited from the Palliative services of University Hospital Kerry and is looking for a medium through which to give back. Obviously with COVID, and the current restrictions, it is no longer as easy to drop donations in but if anyone would like to support this worthy cause, donations can be posted, in care of the Kerry Hospice Foundation fundraiser, to the Sem or any of the other participating schools."

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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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.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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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.

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