News
Couple dash to Ukraine to meet newborn son
But their ordeal is far from over as risk of war remains
By Sean Moriarty
A Killorglin couple have this week experienced the most intense emotions - as they entered a potential warzone - to meet their baby son for the very first time.
Yesterday (Thursday), parents Dermot and Dorothy Moynihan were awestruck and overcome with relief to finally meet their newborn son Luke - who was born by surrogacy in Ukraine this week.
His parents travelled from Kerry to the city of Lviv on Wednesday despite the Irish Government warning against travel to the country that is on the brink of an invasion by the Russian Army.
Yesterday the surrogate mother and baby Luke were discharged from the maternity hospital and Dermot and Dorothy are now caring for their baby in a Lviv hotel - but their ordeal is far from over.
Lviv is about 100km east of the Polish border and a four hour drive from Krakow where they need to get to as soon as they can overcome the red-tape they face.
The Moynihans needed to get an Irish passport for the baby and are awaiting the results of a DNA test to prove that Dermot is the father, before they can bring baby Luke home.
Tralee-born and Dublin-based solicitor Tracy Horan is handling the situation for the family.
She was able to secure a passport for Luke. It was initially anticipated that the family would have to travel to the Irish Embassy in Kiev to get the paperwork and the situation there is quite volatile at the moment.
Ukraine’s capital city lies about 300km from the Russian border – an area that is heavily occupied by Russian troops.
“This is a victory – we won,” Ms Horan told the Killarney Advertiser.
“The DNA test is standard procedure, it could be back anytime between Sunday and next Wednesday. Once they have that they are free to leave Ukraine, get to Poland and get home as quick as possible.”
The city of Kiev sits on the banks of the River Dnieper which allows direct access from Russia to the Black Sea and Asian shipping routes. If the war threat escalates Kiev will be one of the first cities in the country to come under attack adding to the risk for the Moynihans or the possibility of not being allowed into the city at all. There were reports of military shelling in rural areas north of the city yesterday afternoon (Thursday) as the Killarney Advertiser closed for press.
Without the passport for the baby they could not bring him home – and the Irish Government is advising all Irish citizens to leave the country.
Instead they face an anxious few days as they await the DNA results and prepare for their journey home.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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