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Killarney women create helpful childcare podcast

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By Michelle Crean

Two Killarney women who are no strangers to chatting are using their skills to highlight topics which is sure to interest parents.

Aoife Murphy (27) and her sister-in-law Jenny McCarthy (25), both Early Years professionals from Killarney recently set up podcast 'Little Steps, Big Futures: The Podcast' talking everything child related and it's proving very popular.

The idea came in August when chatting one day about the changes in childcare and how there were no real resources out there for parents and guardians. They immediately decided to create an Instagram and Facebook account and it proved so popular they they soon put together podcasts covering a range of topics including biting, toilet training, screen time, attachments, childcare schemes available to single parents, wages, and men in childcare.

"The Instagram was doing well and we had a wild idea to start a podcast then as we can expand on so much more on there," Aoife, who managed a Naionra in Killarney but after the lockdown in March moved to Washington DC, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

"So in September we started the podcast with just myself and Jenny. We chatted about who we were and why we were here. Then we expanded and asked some guests to come on. We wanted to set up an informative and educational platform for educators, carers, parents and guardians as there was a gap in the market. We received lots of messages about the music therapy and the ASD preschool guests as many parents did not even know these resources existed. Helping spread awareness about the different channels available for children and families is so rewarding."

Recently they had a guest called Megan Buckley Heelan who spoke about her sister Mia who has a very rare condition called Chromosome Deletion Syndrome 13q.

"The response we got from that episode was unreal and because of that we have set up a fundraiser for CUH Children's Charity and BUMBLEance both picked by Mia and Megan's family as they are close to their hearts."

On Wednesday they had a 'Raise Awareness Day" for this condition using the #wearpurplefor13Q.

For more see their Instagram and Facebook page: 'Little Steps, Big Futures'.

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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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