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€80k needed to update Killarney Water Rescue equipment

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3 years ago

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FUNDRAISER: Staff from The Muckross Park Hotel are helping to raise funds for Killarney Water Rescue.

By Michelle Crean

Almost €80,000 is needed to help update Killarney Water Rescue's equipment and kind-hearted staff from a local hotel are ready to help out.

The Muckross Park Hotel and Spa will be hosting a fundraising evening in aid of the important local Killarney rescue group on April 14 in Colgans Bar.

Killarney Water Rescue is an entire volunteer-based service that operates 24/7, 365 days a year and supports other clubs and services such as Kerry Mountain Rescue, Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Irish Coast Guard.

Founded 25 years ago, some of their equipment is ageing and in dire need of replacement, Brian Murphy, Sales and Marketing Executive at The Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, explained.

"Killarney Water Rescue rely on generous donations from the public throughout the year via street collections, bag packing, and fundraising events, which have all been severely impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

Currently, they are working hard to replace three of their longest-serving rescue boats with a total cost of €70,978.34 including new engines.

"The additional €9,021.66 is needed for the replacement of their diver's full-face mask and communications units so that they can continue assisting with underwater searches," he said.

"Replacing this equipment will help them ensure their future survival and continue to serve the local community and emergency services."

By donating to the Killarney Water Rescue, you can help support and make a real difference to the organisation. Your donation will go directly towards funding their vital services to the people of Killarney. Donations can be made via GoFundMe: 'Fundraising Evening - Killarney Water Rescue'.

"Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause. Together, we can help these amazing people save more lives by donating to their organisation.

"Help us to help them, and continue their work in the search and recovery of those lost in our inland lakes, rivers, and at sea."

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Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

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7 hours ago

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17 October 2025

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Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

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Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates […]

Published

12 hours ago

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17 October 2025

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Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates of bystander CPR worldwide.

The main event, titled RAH 2025, invites the public to learn life-saving skills and the basic steps in the chain of survival. This will take place on Saturday, October 18, at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Members of the public are encouraged to join KCRU at the centre between 10:00 am and 5pm.
Key feature of the day will be the CPR Competition, offering “fantastic prizes to be won.”
For further information, visit www.killarneycru.ie/rah25

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