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Charity thanks the people of Kerry after a ‘year like no other’

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Overseas development charity Trócaire has hailed the support of the Kerry public as ‘magnificent’ in a year which has seen so many challenges for the global population.

Trócaire’s CEO Caoimhe de Barra said that "this has been a year like no other with COVID dominating our lives".

"Our whole way of life has been disrupted, in ways that we could never have imagined possible. Over 1.5 million people have lost their lives to the virus, an enormous human tragedy. Global lockdowns have put the brakes on the world’s economy and this has had devastating effects for people, especially in the poorest countries of the world. As we head into 2021 over 270 million people are facing hunger, that’s double the number since last year, due to the impact of COVID and drought.”

The pandemic has had other serious effects, she added.

“Women and girls have been particularly affected as violence against women has increased during the pandemic. The pandemic has also been used as a ‘smokescreen’ by many repressive regimes to clamp down on human rights. Despite calls for a global ceasefire during COVID, conflicts have continued apace and violence and oppression have forced people to flee for their lives. This year we passed a grim new milestone, for the first time there are over 80 million people in the world who have been forced from their homes."

Yet there is cause for hope, she added.

“The fact that we now have COVID vaccines means that we can begin to hope that the end is in sight for the pandemic. The development of a vaccine so quickly is an inspiring story of human ingenuity and collective effort. It shows that if we have enough energy, political will and shared resources, we could rally together to tackle other global issues such as hunger and climate change.

“Our work in Ireland this year has been incredibly difficult with many outreach activities, particularly during our Lenten and Christmas appeals, having to be cancelled. Despite this our supporters in Kerry and right across Ireland responded magnificently and showed the solidarity and compassion for others that we are renowned for around the world and of which we should be very proud.”

To find out more about Trócaire’s work visit www.trocaire.org.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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