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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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Three families taking centre stage with Killarney Musical Society

Killarney Musical Society’s upcoming production of ‘All Shook Up’ will feature multiple generations of three different families performing side by side. The show will run from February 10 to 12 […]

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Killarney Musical Society’s upcoming production of ‘All Shook Up’ will feature multiple generations of three different families performing side by side.

The show will run from February 10 to 12 in the Gleneagle Arena. Tickets for the highly anticipated show are on sale now.
Music is well known to bring people of all ages together, and this is clearly evident within the Killarney Musical Society, where several families are sharing the stage this year.
The Spillane/Murray family boasts three generations in the production. Phil Spillane has been an active member since she joined KMS in September 1989.
This year, she performs alongside her daughter Amanda and her granddaughter Caoimhe, who is playing the character Lorraine. All three agree they are having great fun practising dance steps and harmonies together and will treasure this time forever.
Mother and daughter Annie and Alannah McIlroy are taking the stage together for the first time. Annie appeared in the 2023 production of Michael Collins, while Alannah joined the cast last year for Evita. They state that the best part of performing together is the quality time they share, not just during rehearsals but on the journeys to and from them, as both share a deep love for musicals.
Finally, the mother and daughter pair of Linda and Eilise O’Donoghue continue a family tradition. While Linda’s father was involved with KMS back in 1986, Linda herself joined in 2015 after being persuaded by her daughter Eilise, who has been a member since 2012. Before each performance, the two rely on each other: Eilise checks Linda’s hair and makeup, while Linda makes sure Eilise’s costume is perfect. They also enjoy practising their alto lines together, making the experience especially meaningful.
The society looks forward to welcoming audiences to the Gleneagle Arena for the three-night run of ‘All Shook Up’ next February.

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Ballymac Vintage Club announces first Christmas Lights Run

Ballymac Vintage Club will run its first Christmas Lights Run on Saturday, December 13, starting and finishing at Glenduff Manor in Kielduff. The event is open to all vehicles including […]

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Ballymac Vintage Club will run its first Christmas Lights Run on Saturday, December 13, starting and finishing at Glenduff Manor in Kielduff.

The event is open to all vehicles including tractors, cars and motorbikes. While many vintage and classic vehicles are parked up for the winter, modern vehicles are also welcome. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with Christmas lights.
Registration opens at 3pm and the run will begin at 5pm. Proceeds will go to the Children’s Ward at University Hospital Kerry and the Tralee/West Kerry branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland.
Spectators can view the run along the following route:
The convoy will turn right on leaving Glenduff Manor, then turn left before the main Tralee–Castleisland road. It will travel the full length of the old Tralee–Castleisland road, briefly join the main road and then turn left at O’Riada’s before heading past Clogher Church and returning to Glenduff Manor.
Spot prizes will be available, and organisers thanked the event’s main sponsors: BG Motors Killarney, Brownes Agri Steel Castleisland, Horan Wedding Cars and Glenduff Manor.

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