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Tom celebrates his 100th birthday

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CELEBRATING: Tom O'Connell from Ross Road, pictured with his son Ger, is celebrating this week after turning 100-years-old. Photo Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

COVID put a halt to any party plans - but that didn't stop Tom O'Connell from Ross Road celebrating his milestone birthday on Wednesday when he turned 100-years-old.

It was certainly a day to remember however, as not only did he receive a cheque from President Michael D Higgins, but also had many calls, cards and good wishes throughout the day. He even had a small celebration with close family, where he enjoyed some a cake and a few drinks.

His own father lived to a great age and passed away just six months shy of turning 100.

And, the secret to long-life is "to take the world easy and not to be doing the fool", he told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I'm usually in bed before 10pm, and enjoy the odd drop of Guinness."

Tom was born in Meelkilly, Abbeyfeale on January 27, 1921. He worked as a manager in Currans Creamery and lived in Currans for 40 years. Then, in retirement, he and his wife Mary, who sadly passed away 18 months ago, settled in Killarney, in Scrahan Mews on Ross Road. The couple have four adult children Ger, Noel, Margaret and Joe, as well as three grandchildren Thomas, Eoin and Maeve.

"I was mad about Killarney, there is just something about it," he said.

Life for the past year has been tough on everyone but for Tom he said that although it means less visitors to avoid contracting the virus, he really hasn't been too bothered about it.

"[COVID], it takes no part in my life. Visitors have had to stay away as the bloody thing is too dangerous."

And asked if he'll take the vaccine, he said he would when it's available.

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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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