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GPs and pharmacists ready to sign up to national vaccine plan

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By Michelle Crean

Local GPs and pharmacies are ready and willing to sign up to the Government's newly announced €91m national plan to administer the COVID vaccine.

As cases still remain high across the country and county, the Government is looking for new ways to get the vaccine out to the public in a more efficient way starting from February.

The plan was presented and then signed off by Cabinet on Tuesday morning by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, and it's understood that GPs and pharmacists will be paid €25 for administering each dose of the vaccine under the deal, with an additional €10 processing fee paid per patient.

As of Wednesday night, 121,900 vaccines have been given to frontline healthcare workers and residents and staff in nursing homes nationally as part of the State’s vaccination programme.

Local pharmacist Ian Trant of Sewells Pharmacy in High Street said that although they have yet to receive any information from the HSE about how it will all proceed, that they will "more then likely sign up" to the deal.

"Once we hear from the HSE, we'll have to sit down and think about it," Ian told the Killarney advertiser this week.
"It's vaccination centres they should be setting up straight away for more space, somewhere like the Aura or the INEC or any hotel with a big function room."

Dr Laura Malone from Killarney GP, said that they too "will be taking part in the COVID-19 vaccination programme".

"It is important for patients to be aware that we do not have any vaccine at present," she told the Killarney Advertiser.

"There is no special list you can be added to so please do not ring your GP to be added to the list. Vaccine roll out will be very specifically targeted at age groups starting with the over 85s. Patients will be invited to attend for their vaccine."

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

On Wednesday the Minister for Health also welcomed confirmation that the HSE is to make available to GPs increased direct access to diagnostic services from this week.

The initiative will give GPs across the country the ability to access an additional 94,000 diagnostic procedures, such as X-Rays, CT scans, MRIs, and DEXA.

"This will be a game changer for General Practice," Dr Malone added. "It means that GPs will be able to provide a more effective service for patients. International evidence shows that increased access to diagnostics will lead to a reduction in diagnostic delay, a reduction in the number of referrals to both emergency and out-patient departments, a reduction in unnecessary admissions and an improvement in the quality of referrals overall. This in turn will lead to more effective use of the hospital services and improve the quality of service for patients."

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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