News
Recovery Haven appeals for support as fundraising grinds to a halt
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by Michelle Crean
With fundraising decimated from the devastating impact of COVID-19 - one Kerry charity is calling for the public's support. Recovery Haven Kerry is calling on businesses and individuals to become 'Friends of Recovery Haven' and make them their charity of choice by making a one-off donation or weekly contribution via standing order to help stabilise their finances in 2021 and beyond.
The weekly amount is completely at the person’s discretion, but for those who choose to donate a minimum of €5 per week (or €250 per annum) the Revenue Commissioners operate a Charitable Donation Scheme which sees Recovery Haven receive an additional €112.33 from that donation.
Equally, if a company opts to donate €250 or more in a year, that company can claim a tax deduction, as if the donation was a trading expense. There is a four-year time limit for making a claim under the scheme.
In 2020 the charity provided free support services to 683 individuals, which included 660 counselling sessions and 826 attendances at their classes, groups and support programmes.
According to Recovery Haven Kerry manager, Siobhan MacSweeney, the aim of the scheme is to ensure a steady source of income in these uncertain times when most planned fundraising efforts have ground to a halt indefinitely.
“Over the past 10 years, the financial support we have received from the people of Kerry and beyond has been wonderful, and for that we thank them sincerely. But with the future still so unsure due to COVID-19, charities across the board are looking at new ways to help secure a steady income and we hope this new scheme will help us do that.
“This is an extremely challenging time for charities everywhere, so if people are in a position to support our 'Friends of Recovery Haven' scheme and help us continue to offer vital support to cancer patients and their families across Kerry, we would be so grateful,” she said.
To register phone 066 7169055/087 7657742 or email: marisa@recoveryhavenkerry.com, or download the forms at www.recoveryhavenkerry.com.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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