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Happy 31st to Kelliher’s Tom O’Connor

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Salesman Tom O’Connor is celebrating an anniversary with a difference this year.

The popular North Kerry man is celebrating his 31st year a Toyota salesman with Kelliher’s Garage.

In more-normal times a 30th anniversary should be celebrated but with the country in a depths of a lockdown this time last year it was impossible to mark the occasion.

Instead the county’s only Toyota dealership decided to mark his 31st this year.

When Tom started in Kelliher’s in 1991, the motor trade landscape was very different to today.

Popular cars at the time included the entry-level Starlet, the ever-popular Corolla and the mid-range Carina II. A Camry was a rare sight on Kerry roads and sports cars like the Celica were even rarer again.

Commercial vehicles like the LiteAce and HiAce were the van of choice for local trades people. Petrol and diesel were the only engine variants available.

Today the Toyota range extends from the town can Yaris to the sports Supra and every style in between.

Even every individual model today is available in multiple guises: the Corolla alone can be purchased as a saloon or hatchback, as a hot hatch sports car or a touring estate. Trim levels are almost endless from entry-level to super luxury. Hybrid power has joined, and in some cases overtaken, petrol and diesel as the locomotion of choice.

In his 31 years in Toyota car sales Tom says these factors are some of the biggest changes he has seen over the last three decades.

“The choice of various models across the Toyota range compared to 10 or 15 years ago and the success of Toyota hybrid in Kerry are the biggest changes,” he says.

Three decades is a long time.

“I love the buzz every day,” he adds “And I enjoy meeting new people.”

Like the rest of the world, Tom is looking forward to getting back to normality and apart from his love of cars, he is also heavily involved in the Kerry greyhound coursing scene.

His wish for the new year: “Normality coming back after the past two years of lockdown and a good greyhound,” he adds with a smile.

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Kilcummin Mothers & Others quiz raises over €1,800 for charity

Kilcummin Gaelic Mothers & Others hosted a hugely successful Halloween-themed table quiz last Friday night at the Kilcummin Klub Bar and GAA Hall, raising over €1,800 for charity. The event […]

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Kilcummin Gaelic Mothers & Others hosted a hugely successful Halloween-themed table quiz last Friday night at the Kilcummin Klub Bar and GAA Hall, raising over €1,800 for charity.

The event saw an excellent turnout of more than 130 people, with funds set to be split between Temple Street Children’s Hospital and the local Kilcummin Mothers & Others ladies football team.
Many attendees embraced the Halloween spirit by arriving in “Spooktacular” costumes, adding to the fun of the evening. Organisers noted that the “Big Raffle,” supported by generous local businesses and individuals who contributed prizes, played a significant part in the successful financial outcome.
Quiz Master Derek O’Leary put participants through their paces with a variety of challenging questions. Team member Catriona Doolan, one of the organisers, described the evening as “undoubtedly a great social evening for all in attendance,” confirming that a family fun night was had by all.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Kilcummin GAA, as well as John O’Sullivan and staff for facilitating the event and providing a wonderful array of finger food at half-time. Thanks were also given to Nessa and Declan for supplying the sound system.
The Kilcummin Mothers & Others group is always open to new members. Those wishing to join the vibrant and fun-active group can contact Ann Marie on 087 9047274.

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New bus route to Mallow will be a “game changer”

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A new bus service linking Mallow and Killarney is in the final stages of planning, according to Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea.

Commencement is dependent on the availability of resources and funding.

Once operational, the route is expected to offer up to six return journeys daily, seven days a week.

The new service, which will be known as Route 515, will connect Mallow and Killarney and service villages such as Ballyclough, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Rathmore, Gneeveguilla and Kilcummin en route.

Deputy O’Shea has welcomed the news describing it as “excellent” for the local communities.

He said: “Reliable public transport is vital for connecting people across rural North Cork and Kerry supporting access to work, education, healthcare, and local amenities.”

Fine Gael councillor Tony O’Shea also praised the initiative, calling it a “game changer” for local residents by “greatly enhancing connectivity in Mallow”.

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