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Shaq remembered as a “Killarney treasure”

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The town came to a standstill on Tuesday as a man described as everyone’s friend was laid to rest.

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Caoimhín ‘Shaq' O'Donoghue passed away on May 9 after a short illness.
The Ardshanavooley man was a much-loved character who was best known for his role in security and guest relations in the towns hospitality sector.
However, his life transcended all aspects of town life, from the hospitality sector to sports clubs.
The lifelong member of St Paul’s Basketball club was called after NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal – a reference to Caoimhín’s stature.
Dr Crokes GAA Club was his other passion.
Members of both St Paul’s and the GAA club provided a guard of honour as his funeral cortege left St Mary’s Cathedral.
The Liverpool FC anthem ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ echoed in the background as mourners huddled in the spring rain to pay their final respects.
Motorcycles were his other love and looked forward to attending the Killarney BikeFest each June. His motorbike friends provided a cavalcade along the streets of his home town.
He was a popular figure amongst guests and colleagues at the Killarney Park Hotel where he worked as a porter.
His requiem mass was led by Fr Kieran O’Brien.
"He was well-liked and respected and he left a mark and a void that can’t be filled,” Fr O’Brien told the congregation.
"He was everyone’s friend and he had time for everyone.”
Moving and emotionally charged tributes poured in for the charismatic and dedicated Killarney sportsman who was laid to rest in Aghadoe Cemetery on Tuesday.
A former teammate in both codes and lifelong friend Brian Clarke, remarked: “Shaq cheered up each person he met along his path in life. His likes are so seldom to be found – just a pure, down-to-earth Killarney treasure.”
Another close friend and former teammate, Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan, said:
“Caoimhín was a marvellous person, so positive and great fun and his loss is just devastating."
He added that he has many happy memories of Caoimhin from basketball trips that they went on.
Another great pal and former teammate, James Weldon, described Caoimhín as an incredible man.
“He loved to chat basketball at any opportunity and was so insightful on how he thought about the game and life in general,” he said.
Former All-Ireland winning Kerry manager and Dr Crokes coach Pat O’Shea, who also played National League Basketball with Shaq, described him as an extremely knowledgeable sports coach and an equally talented player.
“A gentle giant, he was a friend to everyone,” he said.
St Paul’s Basketball Club Chairman, Paul Sheehan, who coached Caoimhín from a young age, said everybody was devastated to hear of his untimely passing.
“Caoimhín served the club in so many roles with distinction, as a player, coach and officer, and he will be greatly missed,” Paul said.
Kerry GAA Chairman and fellow Dr Crokes clubman, Patrick O’Sullivan, said that Caoimhín was a gentle giant who never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Former Mayor of Killarney and neighbour, Seán O’Grady, described Caoimhín as a great ambassador for Killarney. “He has gone on much too soon,” he said.
Former GAA President Seán Kelly MEP said he was sad to learn of Caoimhín’s death. He was a student of Kelly’s in St Brendan’s College over 30 years ago.
“Caoimhín was a lovely guy with a heart of gold,” said the MEP.
The son of Margaret and the late Timmie O’Donoghue, Caoimhín is survived by his mother, brothers Shane, Cormac and Timothy, sister Sheena, extended family, colleagues and a large circle of friends.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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