News
Calls for dedicated Lyme Disease Unit at University Hospital Kerry
Kerry TD Michael Cahill is calling for the creation of a specialised Lyme Disease unit at University Hospital Kerry (UHK), citing the increasing threat posed by tick bites and the high density of wild deer in Killarney and surrounding areas.
Deputy Cahill, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee, said the danger of Lyme Disease is "ever present" in Kerry due to the large number of deer roaming in areas like Killarney National Park. He believes UHK is the logical location for a unit focused on detection, treatment, and research of the disease.
“Lyme Disease is a debilitating, horrible disease and the early signs of the illness can include fever, fatigue and muscle and joint aches, while later-stage symptoms can include pain in bones and nerves, weakness, tingling or loss of sensation in limbs, swelling of the brain and spinal cord, memory loss and the inability to think clearly,” said Cahill.
He warned that cases of Lyme Disease are likely to increase, with climate change now being linked to the spread of ticks globally. In the United States, a rise in tick-related emergency room visits has been recorded this year, the highest since 2019.
“Climate change is contributing to the increase in Lyme Disease. Milder winters and longer summers are allowing ticks to survive and spread more easily,” Cahill added. “This is a clear public health issue and we need to act before it worsens.”
The Kerry TD also highlighted the dangers posed by wild deer not only in terms of tick transmission but also to road safety.
“Wild deer wandering freely on the roads of Kerry pose a significant threat to the safety of all road users. Combined with the danger of contracting Lyme Disease from their ticks, it is clear that deer numbers must be reduced to manageable levels,” he said.
He pointed to the work of the recently formed Deer Management Strategy Group as a step in the right direction and said he expects it will lead to more active management of the local deer population.
Cahill is urging the Department of Health and HSE to support the establishment of a Lyme-specific department at UHK.
“At present, even when Lyme Disease is diagnosed, patients often have to travel abroad, including to Germany, for effective treatment. That is unacceptable. It places a huge burden on people who are already unwell. A diagnostic and treatment centre in University Hospital Kerry makes complete sense,” he said.
“UHK is located near one of the highest-risk areas in the country for deer-related tick exposure. We need a dedicated resource in the hospital to deal with this threat,” Cahill added.
He also referenced high-profile cases of Lyme Disease among international celebrities, including singers Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake, to illustrate how serious the illness can be. Cahill noted that contracting Lyme Disease during pregnancy can also pose serious risks to both mother and baby, further emphasising the need for early detection and specialised care.
“This is not a minor issue. This is a growing public health concern. We need to get ahead of it before it becomes a crisis,” he concluded.
The Kerry Hospice Foundation is appealing to cyclists taking part in the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the foundation as their designated charity.
The iconic 170km event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and remains a vital source of funding for palliative care services across the county.
The foundation was recently confirmed as one of the six Tier 1 main beneficiaries for this year’s cycle. Funds raised by participants will go directly toward a major €6.5 million expansion of the specialist palliative care inpatient unit. Work has already begun on adding five new bedrooms and enhanced family support facilities to meet the growing demand for end-of-life care in Kerry.
Since opening its 15-bed unit in 2017, the facility has consistently operated at full capacity, prompting the foundation to fast-track these latest development plans.
“Each year thousands of cyclists take on this iconic route around the Ring of Kerry. It would be amazing if you can do so, while raising essential funds that help us provide Palliative Care and support to patients and their families throughout Kerry and beyond,” a foundation spokesperson said.
“This is where we need your help. We would love it if you can cycle for us; if this isn’t practical, please support us in the form of sponsorship or other direct contributions.”
Registration for the event is now live at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. When signing up, cyclists have the option to select the Kerry Hospice Foundation as their chosen beneficiary to ensure 100% of their voluntary donations go toward the local hospice project.
Cyclists urged to support Kerry Hospice in 2026 Ring of Kerry Cycle
The Kerry Hospice Foundation is appealing to cyclists taking part in the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the foundation as their designated charity.
The iconic 170km event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and remains a vital source of funding for palliative care services across the county.
The foundation was recently confirmed as one of the six Tier 1 main beneficiaries for this year’s cycle. Funds raised by participants will go directly toward a major €6.5 million expansion of the specialist palliative care inpatient unit. Work has already begun on adding five new bedrooms and enhanced family support facilities to meet the growing demand for end-of-life care in Kerry.
Since opening its 15-bed unit in 2017, the facility has consistently operated at full capacity, prompting the foundation to fast-track these latest development plans.
“Each year thousands of cyclists take on this iconic route around the Ring of Kerry. It would be amazing if you can do so, while raising essential funds that help us provide Palliative Care and support to patients and their families throughout Kerry and beyond,” a foundation spokesperson said.
“This is where we need your help. We would love it if you can cycle for us; if this isn’t practical, please support us in the form of sponsorship or other direct contributions.”
Registration for the event is now live at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. When signing up, cyclists have the option to select the Kerry Hospice Foundation as their chosen beneficiary to ensure 100% of their voluntary donations go toward the local hospice project.
Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub
Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has gained Professional Golfers Association (PGA) status. It is now one of only two PGA training establishments in Ireland.
The PGA Training Programme is a respected global qualification. It includes a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies from the University of Birmingham. This three-year course focuses on coaching, sports science, business, and tournament play. Around 300 students from across Europe enrol each year.
The addition of Killarney means year-one and year-two trainee professionals from Ireland can complete their practical and theoretical work in Killarney.
This removes the need for them to travel to the UK. The club was chosen due to its high-quality training facilities and available local accommodation.
Killarney head professional Mark Heinemann has also been named as a PGA Tutor and Assessor. He will mentor young Irish trainees through their three-year journey to becoming qualified professionals. His role will involve leading both individual and group coaching sessions.
Cyclists urged to support Kerry Hospice in 2026 Ring of Kerry Cycle
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Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub
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