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“I’ve never seen as much demand”

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Volunteers under pressure as they help over 200 local families

By Michelle Crean

Increasing energy costs and sharp hikes in rent has driven more and more people into the poverty trap this year than ever before according to a local charity - who are appealing for public support.

Lone parents - even those who are working - are making up the bulk of those seeking help as they struggle to pay for rising electricity and heating bills - before they can purchase toys or put food on the table this Christmas.

Breda Dwyer, Area President of the Killarney St Vincent de Paul Conference, says she is shocked with the increase this year.

Currently volunteers with the service are putting together food boxes, and are giving vouchers for toys and fuel, with over 200 local families and vulnerable people being looked after so far this Christmas.

"It's shocking and we're very concerned for them," Breda told the Killarney Advertiser.
"We find this year lone mothers or parents - even those who are working - are struggling because everything has increased. Rents are from €800 a month, even people living on their own pay up to €1,000. It's busier with COVID, people are finding it harder with the extra costs of coal, electricity and oil. Some people in older apartments with poor insulation are using electric heaters. They are pleading with us to come up to them so that they can buy toys. I'm in my 11th year [with SVdP Killarney] and I've never seen as much demand as this year."

Breda and her team of volunteers are busy buying and packing the food as well as vouchers to give to those most in need. However, they are appealing to the community to drop in what they can so that no one goes without.

"We'd be grateful for any help," Breda said.

Tonight (Friday) The Late Late Show will also highlight the remarkable work of the St Vincent de Paul Annual Appeal, as the charity prepares to help thousands of families across Ireland to have a brighter Christmas.

Anyone who needs assistance over the coming days or weeks can drop in to the St Vincent de Paul shop on Beech Road or call 064 66 22668.

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Garda Seán O’Sullivan honoured as 2025 Radio Kerry Hero

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Killarney’s Seán O’Sullivan has been named as one of the Fexco Kerry Heroes of 2025 following his life-saving actions earlier this year.

The award, organised by Radio Kerry and Fexco, recognises Seán’s courage and his subsequent work as an advocate for CPR training.

In April 2025, Seán saved the life of his 24-year-old son, Seán Óg, who had suffered a cardiac arrest at the family home.


The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when Seán Óg, a fit and healthy non-smoker, suddenly became unresponsive.


His younger brother Conor (15) began CPR before Seán took over, maintaining the effort until paramedics arrived ten minutes later.

Seán Óg was then flown by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital. Medical staff confirmed that the immediate CPR performed at home was the deciding factor in his survival.


Since the incident, Seán has used his platform to encourage everyone to learn CPR, highlighting that such emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere.

He was one of eight recipients chosen by a judging panel for their outstanding community spirit and service to the county.


The winners were announced on the Kerry Today programme just before the Christmas break, and each received a specially commissioned Fexco Kerry Heroes wall plaque.


Also honoured in the 2025 awards was Jerh O’Donoghue of the Social Action Group in Rathmore.

Founded by Jerh in 1975, the group has delivered vital services like meals on wheels and a day care centre for 50 years.

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Killarney Suzuki dealer wins national customer service award

A Killarney motor dealership has been recognised at national level after Dineen O’Donoghue Suzuki was named Aftersales Customer Experience Dealer of the Year at the 2025 Suzuki Ireland Dealer of […]

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A Killarney motor dealership has been recognised at national level after Dineen O’Donoghue Suzuki was named Aftersales Customer Experience Dealer of the Year at the 2025 Suzuki Ireland Dealer of the Year Awards.

The awards ceremony took place at Carton House in Maynooth, Co Kildare, where Suzuki Ireland honoured dealerships from across its 24-strong national network for performance and customer service over the past year.
The Killarney dealership received the accolade in recognition of its consistently high standards in customer care and aftersales service.
Suzuki Ireland Managing Director Takanori Suzuki praised the overall dealer network for its achievements, noting that 2025 delivered record results for the brand in Ireland, including a new market share high and more than 2,350 vehicles sold before year end.
He added that Suzuki dealers will play a key role in the brand’s plans for 2026, including the launch of the new fully electric e Vitara next spring.

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