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Perfect New Year gift as Alexis gets her new van

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By Sean Moriarty

The parents of a seriously ill Killarney girl will today (Friday) receive the best New Year gift as they collect their new, specially adapted car from a specialist fitter in Cork.

Alexis suffers from a rare primary metabolic condition called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency which has led to a brain abnormality called Ventriculomegaly as well as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, double hip displacement, cortical visual impairment and sleeping difficulties.

Her parents Steve and Teresa are her 24 hour carers and last September, through a trustee, organised a GoFundMe campaign to help the family buy a new car as Alexis had simply grown out of their existing vehicle.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Killarney and beyond the O’Mahony family will, today, collect a brand new Ford Tourneo people carrier.

The van is currently in Southern Mobility Solutions’ workshop in Cork where specialist staff are putting the finishing touches, including fitting a wheelchair ramp.

It was a race against time for the family as they needed to register the new van before December 31 to avoid new revenue and carbon tax rules which came into effect at the start of the year.

This alone saved the best part of €7,000 but as a result their new van will carry a 2020 registration plate.

The O’Mahony family bought the van from Killarney Autos where another stroke of luck saved them another load of money.

A Tipperary-based family had left a wheelchair lift at Killarney Autos and when they heard about the O’Mahony’s plight they offered their old ramp, free of charge, to the local family.

“I can’t thank Killarney Autos and, especially, salesman Kevin Donnelly, who did so much for us,” Steve told the Killarney Advertiser. “It was a stroke of luck that Kevin dealt with the Tipperary family and a few phone calls later we learned that they had donated the ramp to us. It was unbelievable.”

A committee, made up of five people and who are not related to Alexis’ parents, made all the financial decisions ahead of the purchase of the new van.

“The purchase would not have been possible only for support we got locally and internationally,” added Steve, whose wife Teresa is Polish.

The Frydman Community Charity donated a large sum of money, largely from its American branch, to the trustees. The charity named after Teresa’s home village in Poland, is made up of emigrants who are now settled all over the world.

The O’Mahony family thanked the following for their fundraising efforts: Radio Kerry, Beauty by Aga, Flares Gymnastics Club, The Kerry Association London, singer Mary Culloty O’Sullivan, Halo Hair Salon, Molly and Grace from Killarney who made and sold Christmas decorations, The Christmas Market, online DJs and musicians, Natalie Russel Zumba, Harvey Norman Tralee, artist Dzana Bukvic and Tiny Creations, Zumba Salsa Tralee, and the Curious Cat. Additionally Vodafone – The Kerry Phone Centre, made a separate donation to the BUMBLEance children’s ambulance via the Vodafone Ireland Foundation.

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Rotary Club distributes €21,000 to local causes

Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries. […]

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Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries.

The event, which is the club’s primary fundraiser, raised a total of €1,000. These funds were distributed among several local schools and community organisations during a celebratory luncheon.
The schools benefiting from the night include Faha, Fossa, Gael Scoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane, and St. Brendan’s College. Other organisations receiving support include Kerry Hospice, Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley Athletic Club, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, and the Rise & Shine Trust.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan praised the collaborative effort that made the fundraiser possible. “The success of this event is a direct result of shared commitment and community spirit,” she said. She thanked the hands-on involvement of the beneficiary groups, who worked alongside Rotary members to manage the night.
The club also acknowledged key partners Daly’s SuperValu and Killarney Credit Union for their ongoing sponsorship. Additional thanks were extended to the Great Southern Killarney and the Scally Hotel Collection, while Cronin’s Cider was welcomed as a new contributor this year.
A significant portion of the total was raised through an art auction, where local artists and crafters donated 100% of the proceeds from their work to the fund.

Following the success of last year’s fundraiser, Killarney Rotary Club has confirmed the provisional date for the 2026 event.

The 25th annual Wine and Art Night is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The evening will once again feature a showcase of local art and crafts, alongside the popular wine and cheese reception.
Organisers are encouraging artists, sponsors, and community groups to mark the date in their diaries early. Further details regarding venue and ticket sales will be released closer to the event.

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club charity weekend for Jack and Jill

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May […]

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

This year’s event will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The event is sponsored by Truffle Honey.
The weekend will feature a Team of Four competition. Entry is €40 per person or €160 per team. Online entry is available through the club’s booking system at www.killarneygolfclub.ie. A dedicated fundraising page for donations has also been set up at www.idonate.ie.
A charity raffle will also run throughout the weekend, featuring green fees for top golf courses and various prizes donated by local supporters.
“The work Jack and Jill do for families in Kerry and across Ireland is extraordinary,” Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice said in a joint statement. “We are proud to play our part in helping them continue that mission and look forward to welcoming members and visitors for a fantastic weekend of golf.”
Siobhan Reen of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation thanked the club for their support.
“Every euro raised helps us provide vital home nursing care, giving children the chance to be cared for at home, where they belong,” she said.
The foundation currently supports over 490 families across Ireland, including many in County Kerry, providing up to 100 hours of home nursing care per month.
Those looking to enter a team can visit the Killarney Golf Club website (
http://www.killarneygolfclub.ie/), while those wishing to donate can do so via the iDonate fundraiser page for the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Open Captains’ Charity Weekend.
Further information on the services provided by the foundation can be found at www.jackandjill.ie.

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