News
HIQA report praises Beaufort care facility
By Michelle Crean
An unannounced HIQA inspection has given a Beaufort facility, which provides residential care for 29 residents with moderate or severe intellectual disability, its best ever report.
HIQA carried out an unannounced inspection of St Mary of the Angels in November with inspectors noting marked improvements in many areas since the last inspection only a year ago.
Out of 17 regulations that were inspected and marked, 14 were Compliant, three Substantially Compliant, and for first time ever, there were no non-compliances recorded.
In comparison, a previous inspection in November 2020 had seven Compliant, two Substantially Compliant and three Not Compliant judgments.
Improved ratings from 2020 to 2021 are in the following areas: Governance and Management: Not Compliant to Compliant, Notification of Incidents: Not Compliant to Compliant, Fire Precautions: Not Compliant to Compliant, General Welfare and Development: Substantially Compliant to Compliant.
Three areas in the current report are Substantially Compliant and plans are in place to address remaining concerns: Premises, Protection against infection, Residents' rights.
The major remedial item involves a significant amount of new furniture for all of the houses on the St Mary of the Angels campus, i.e. DC1 and DC2. This will be largely funded by the Parents and Relatives Association from previous fundraising efforts, including participation in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in 2019. A substantial proportion (75%) of the furniture order has been delivered as of today.
According to the report all residents that were met appeared happy and content. Private and communal spaces within houses had been upgraded and were clean, bright and homely.
The inspectors found that the overall care and support for residents was properly resourced. A significant development from the previous inspection had been the resourcing of the service to have dedicated staff to support residents with meaningful activities of choice and greater social integration.
Individual care plans and person centred planning were further enhanced to improve residents lived experience. The effectiveness of previous care plans were assessed and findings incorporated into current care plans.
“HIQA plays an essential role in ensuring the appropriate standards of care are being upheld in residential settings throughout the country. Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges in service delivery within the intellectual disability sector, SJOG Community Services will seek at all times to meet the statutory standards of care. Last year our service recorded 92% compliance with the regulations nationally following 79 inspections conducted by HIQA across a range of our 94 designated centres," Saint John of God, who are the service provider in St Mary of the Angels, said in a statement.
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
Kilcummin parish celebrates milestone wedding anniversaries
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone...
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of...
Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting!
Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting! Three jaunting cars, a gang of Kilcummin characters, two unsuspecting Americans and a few amorous...
New Dutch flights to connect Groningen and Kerry Airport
New Dutch flights to connect Groningen and Kerry Airport Tourism across Kerry is set for a boost following the announcement...
Eoin Cashman named Kerry’s sole Naughton Scholar
Eoin Cashman named Kerry’s sole Naughton Scholar Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luacha student Eoin Cashman has been honoured as County Kerry’s...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
