Connect with us

News

Barraduff couple give the gift of over 200 blood donations

Published

on

0227133_16_Blood_Donation_AA.JPG

By Sean Moriarty

A Barraduff couple who will hit a staggering 220 donations between them next week are encouraging people to give the gift of blood.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service, which visits Killarney three times a year, will be in town again on Monday for the first of its four daily clinics at the Dromhall Hotel, and urgently needs donations from the public.

Husband and wife Noel and Eileen Dennehy started donating blood in 1979. Noel has donated blood 118 times over the last 43 years while Eileen will make her 101st donation this coming Monday. Next week's donations will bring the couple to 220 between them.

Noel started donating blood by accident when on a visit to his sister Nora in Rathmore. At the time the Irish Blood Transfusion Service operated clinics in community halls in villages all over the county but these days concentrates on town centre clinics.

“When I was leaving she asked where was I going now,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“When I said I was going to the pub she said why don’t I go to the blood clinic on my way. I walked out the door at that second and I decided to go and give blood.”

Noel, in turn, convinced his wife to donate blood.

“It was the late 1970s, Noel was going and said I should come along too, I try to make them all but that wasn’t always easy with three children,” Eileen said. “They always write to you and tell you what hospital our blood went to so it’s a nice feeling that we know we are helping other people.”

The blood donation clinic will operate for four days at the Dromhall Hotel next week.

On Monday the clinic will be operational from 4.45pm to 8.30pm. It will be open from 2.45pm to 5pm and 6.45pm to 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The clinic will continue between May 3 and 5 when the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be on site at the Dromhall Hotel between 3.45pm and 7.40pm each day.

Those interested in becoming a donor can register on www.giveblood.ie.

Advertisement

News

Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape

Published

on

Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape


The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.


Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires

Published

on

End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires


It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.


Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport