News
‘We want to make a positive impact in memory of Stephen’
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THE mother of a Killarney teenager who was fatally stabbed has set up a foundation in his memory. As Lotte Lyne unveiled details of the Stephen Lyne Foundation today, she said she believes it is something of which Stephen would have been proud.
Lotte hopes that the foundation, which involves a new school programme, will significantly reduce bullying and anti-social behaviour in young people.
Tragically, Stephen was killed, close to his family home, seven years ago. “The story of the Stephen Lyne Foundation begins in June 2009 with a phone call no parent ever wants to receive,” said Lotte. “It is an unimaginable heartbreak I would wish for no one.”
Now, the Stephen Lyne Foundation aims to raise €20,000 to introduce a programme into three Killarney primary schools this September. “Rather than focus on the loss of Stephen, I choose to concentrate on what I can do to prevent another family from going through what we have had to go through and are still going through,” said Lotte.
“The Roots of Empathy programme teaches children empathy and aims to reduce violence and bullying,” Lotte told the Killarney Advertiser.
“Children are taught empathy by observing a baby, who is brought into the classroom at various stages. To honour Stephen’s memory, we want to make a direct, positive impact on children in Kerry.”
The Roots of Empathy programme is delivered by children’s charity Barnardos. “My goal is to raise €20,000 by this September 2016,” said Lotte.
“My ultimate goal is to save a child’s life and make our community a safer place for our young people, to honour my son.”
You can support the foundation at a coffee morning on Wednesday, July 6, from 10am to 12pm in The Brehon Hotel. Tickets are €10 and will be available from Monday at the reception of The Brehon and in O’Donoghue’s Pharmacy, Main Street, or contact Lotte on 086-3527606. You can also support the foundation at https://www.gofundme.com/2afetgs or http://www.stephenlynefoundation.org
Lotte Lyne has set up the Stephen Lyne Foundation.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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