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Illegal parking prevents special needs bus from accessing cathedral

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By Sean Moriarty

A specially adapted mini-bus, used for transporting people with mobility issues - was unable to gain access to St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday as a result of illegally parked cars on the school run.

Bus driver Patrick Clifford works as a care assistant for people with special needs.

On Friday last he wanted to bring three of his clients to visit the crib display at the cathedral.

His passengers were a man in his 70s that needs a zimmer frame to get around, a man in his 20s with Down Syndrome, and a man in his 50s with special needs.

On arrival at the entrance to the cathedral, he was unable to drive his mini-bus into the grounds as there were several cars parked across it.

“I asked one woman to move and she would not even roll down the window,” Mr Clifford told the Killarney Advertiser. “I had to walk past her, supporting the man in the zimmer frame and with the other two holding on to me. She just sat there and watched me do it. She must be very proud of what she does.”

Friday’s incident was just another in a series of issues related to illegal parking near the schools at New Road.

The street provides access to three secondary schools, two primary schools and one special needs facility – bringing an estimated 2,800 users to the area on a daily basis.

There has been several calls for the Gardai and Traffic Wardens to take action against illegally parked motorists in the area.

Last month the Council promised to change the rota of traffic wardens so they could monitor the area.

Other issues include cars parking on the footpath, forcing pedestrians and wheelchair users on to streets full of live traffic.

Last Thursday was also particularly bad with at least seven different cars parked on footpaths and double yellow lines at school pick-up time.

“It’s a disgrace - one was completely on the footpath,” he added. “It was just left there - they had abandoned it.”

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Tributes paid to former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty

Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty. A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of […]

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Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty.

A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of the famous Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who saved thousands of lives during World War II.
Since the formation of the Memorial Society in 2008, Judge O’Flaherty and his sister Pearl served as its inaugural patrons. He remained a dedicated supporter of the organization by assisting with fundraising efforts, connecting the society with international contacts, securing archive memorabilia, and advising authors and filmmakers working to preserve his uncle’s legacy.
Together with his late wife Kay, he was a regular attendee at society functions across Dublin and Killarney and participated in several of its Rome tours. The society described him as an “irreplaceable touchstone” for all matters relating to Monsignor Hugh.
Kerry TD Michael Cahill also paid tribute to the former Supreme Court judge, describing him as an outstanding public servant who dedicated his life to the law and the Irish State.
Deputy Cahill highlighted Judge O’Flaherty’s strong lifelong connection to South Kerry, his commitment to preserving his uncle’s humanitarian legacy, his charitable work, and his passion as one of Kerry GAA’s greatest supporters.
Judge O’Flaherty is survived by his sister Pearl, his children Bríd, Catherine, Hugh, and Rory, and his extended family.

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Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final

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Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final


Three pupils from Gaelscoil Faithleann are heading to Belfast this weekend to represent Kerry in the All-Ireland Final of the Comhrá Gaeilge competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.


The journey began back in March, when extra practice sessions got underway for approximately 30 students preparing for Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in Cahersiveen at the end of May.
The school enjoyed great success at the county level, with eight pupils qualifying for the Munster Fleadh in Lismore on Friday, July 17. Following another strong performance in Waterford, an outstanding three pupils, Aideen, Brynn, and Josie, progressed to the All-Ireland Final in Belfast.
The competition offers young speakers a valuable platform to build confidence in spoken Irish, operating in a similar style to the Leaving Certificate oral examination. The well-known saying, “Beatha teanga í a labhairt” (“The life of a language is in speaking it”), perfectly reflects the spirit of their achievement.
Principal Lisa Ní Iarlaithe said that the entire school community is behind the three finalists and is immensely proud of their remarkable success. Reaching the All-Ireland Final is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and love of the Irish language, and everyone at Gaelscoil Faithleann wishes Aideen, Brynn, and Josie the very best of luck in Belfast.
Comhghairdeas ó chroí leo go léir!

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