News
Damien plans mammoth cycle for men’s health charity
By Michelle Crean
Over the coming days Killarney native Damien O’Sullivan and his friends are preparing to cycle the entire length of the country - completing a whopping total distance of 642.81km and a total elevation gain of 4,707m!
From this Thursday (March 24) to Sunday (March 27) Damien from Knockmanagh will team up with ex Connacht player Jack Dinneen, ex Irish 7’s player and Love Island winner Greg O’Shea, and Eduardo Moffitt, and cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
They'll cycle from north to south from Malin Head to Bundoran on day one, Bundoran to Oranmore on day two, Oranmore to Killarney on day three, and finally finish Killarney to Mizen Head on Sunday leaving from the Dromhall Hotel that morning at 9am.
This cycling challenge is one of a number of fundraising activities that the group have arranged over the last few months including twice completing 'The Four Peaks Challenge’ where one summits the highest peak in each province in as quick a time as possible, and a 480km cycle across the month of November, in addition to taking part in the ‘Grow a Mo’ Movember campaign. All these efforts, and with more to come, are culminating in the ultimate challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in June of this year.
The group are taking on these challenges to help raise funds and awareness for the Movember charity, the world’s leading men’s health organisation and support causes covering testicular cancer, prostate cancer and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
With a fundraising target of €30,000, the team would appreciate any support that can be provided via GoFundMe 'Kilimanjaro '22'.
Damien went to primary school in Tiernaboul followed by The Sem and played football for Killarney Legion as an adult and soccer with Killarney Athletic.
“As is the case for most people, we have been affected by mental health and suicide, in addition to a growing number of men living through testicular cancer, and prostate cancer in our families and friend’s groups,” Damien told the Killarney Advertiser.
“Far too often men don’t know what to do or fail to act in each of these areas. Over the past few years I have taken part in Movember to help raise awareness for all aspects of men’s health and help fund the brilliant work the Movember charity do. Last July both Jack Dinneen and I were approached by Movember to ask if we would be interested in stepping up our efforts to support the charity, which we jumped at.
"We will be undertaking the cycle from Malin to Mizen Head to again raise awareness and support for the Movember charity. To say we are excited would be an understatement as is it a bucket list event for us all.
"We have been and continue to work hard at this, so if you would like to keep up to date with our journey, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook: Kilimanjaro_22.”
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
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