News
Father despairs as “voiceless” cast aside in Health Centre dispute
The father of a nine-year-old Killarney girl with profound disabilities has spoken out against the "needless turf war" and "parish pump politics" he believes have stalled the development of a primary healthcare centre in the town.
Steve O’Mahony, whose daughter Alexis requires round-the-clock care, issued a stinging open letter following the decision by local councillors to reverse the inclusion of a HSE-run facility at the Áras Phádraig site.
The move followed a period of significant public backlash regarding the use of the town-centre location.
Alexis lives with Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, a rare metabolic condition that causes brain abnormalities, alongside cerebral palsy and epilepsy. For the O’Mahony family, the lack of a centralised hub means navigating cramped, scattered facilities or undertaking difficult journeys to Tralee, Cork, and Dublin for vital appointments.
The "voiceless" dismissed
In an open letter seen by the Killarney Advertiser, Mr O’Mahony questions why no one has properly investigated the function of a primary care centre, which he describes as "a lot more than a physical building."
He argues that the focus on the Áras Phádraig site as being "for the people of Killarney" is a rhetoric that fails to recognise that those with disabilities are also citizens with immediate needs.
"I am a father of a child with complex medical needs who turns 10 years this April," Mr O’Mahony wrote. "I have ten years of experience of navigating the health system both locally and nationally. It is not always a pretty picture especially when it is mixed with politics, most notably parish pump politics. I do know one thing more than anything and that is that those with a disability are the voiceless. As a father it is my civil duty to speak about this and the whole sorry saga which in my humble opinion has been led by fear and mistrust and shown the voiceless being cast aside yet again."
He added that the phrase "the Áras Phádraig is for the people of Killarney" is "an insulting phrase that completely dismisses the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in our society."
A call for urgency
Mr O’Mahony expressed frustration that Killarney is at risk of rejecting €16 million in targeted funding due to the dispute.
He believes the opinions of those who would actually use the services including the elderly, young parents, and people with disabilities were never specifically sought during the public consultation.
"The silence is deafening," he noted, referring to the lack of follow-up since the initial public outcry subsided. "If half the energy devoted to this story was reinvested in the need for such a centre in our town we would all be smiling."
As the wait for a modern facility continues, the O’Mahony family remains focused on the daily realities of Alexis’s care.
Over the years, the community has rallied to support the 'Let's help Alexis' fund, helping to provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and essential equipment.
However, Mr O’Mahony says the town now needs a proactive approach from its leaders to provide the long-term health infrastructure that children like Alexis depend on.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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