Connect with us

News

Let’s paint the town purple this weekend

Published

9 years ago

on

At Killarney Garda Station for the unveiling of the Purple Flag were from left, Paul O'Neill, Chairperson of Purple Flag Killarney Working Group, John Anthony O'Sullivan, Sergeant Ken O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Assumpta Sweeney, David Fitzgerald and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
At Killarney Garda Station for the unveiling of the Purple Flag were from left, Paul O'Neill, Chairperson of Purple Flag Killarney Working Group, John Anthony O'Sullivan, Sergeant Ken O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Assumpta Sweeney, David Fitzgerald and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

K

KILLARNEY is the proud bearer of a Purple Flag, which signifies that it offers a well-managed evening and night-time experience. This weekend, Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6, the award’s assessors will visit Killarney in what will be their first evaluation since 2014 and all are urged to ensure our town presents the best possible impression.

Paul O'Neill, chairperson, Killarney Purple Flag Working Group, said: “We have been informed that the bar is set quite high so Killarney really needs offer that welcome for which we are so famous.”

Of particular importance is any business operating from 5pm to 5am. Members of the Killarney Purple Flag working group will be accompanying the assessors on Saturday evening and night and seeing all that Killarney has to offer.

“We will be visiting several businesses and services throughout the evening,” added Paul. The working group urged businesses to make a special effort to offer a safe and welcoming environment.

Another tip is where possible, add a splash of purple to your premises, whether through lighting, purple flowers on tables, or wearing a purple shirt. “Thankfully we are all very busy at this time of year but please make the effort this weekend. The awarding of the Purple Flag was fantastic and significant in attracting families to Killarney,” said Paul. “It is vital that we maintain our status and with a small contribution from each business I'm sure that we will succeed.”
 

 
At Killarney Garda Station for the unveiling of the Purple Flag were from left, Paul O'Neill, chairperson of Purple Flag Killarney Working Group, John Anthony O'Sullivan, Sergeant Ken O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Assumpta Sweeney, David Fitzgerald and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell.
PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

Published

14 hours ago

on

17 October 2025

By

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

Continue Reading

News

Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates […]

Published

18 hours ago

on

17 October 2025

By

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates of bystander CPR worldwide.

The main event, titled RAH 2025, invites the public to learn life-saving skills and the basic steps in the chain of survival. This will take place on Saturday, October 18, at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Members of the public are encouraged to join KCRU at the centre between 10:00 am and 5pm.
Key feature of the day will be the CPR Competition, offering “fantastic prizes to be won.”
For further information, visit www.killarneycru.ie/rah25

Continue Reading

Last News

News14 hours ago

Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School...
News18 hours ago

Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart...
News18 hours ago

Killarney Athletic stalwart Donie does it for the love of the game

Ahead of Killarney Athletic’s 60th anniversary, Adam Moynihan spoke to club stalwart and current chairman Donie Murphy about his passion...
News19 hours ago

Hosts Killarney defeat neighbours Tralee in local ‘Ryder Cup’

A team representing Killarney Golf and Fishing Club took part in a Ryder Cup style tournament against their neighbours from...
News19 hours ago

Marc Ó Sé to sign new book at Eason this Saturday

Kerry football legend Marc Ó Sé will be in Eason, Main Street, this Saturday, (October 18), to sign copies of...

Sport

Sport11 hours ago

Lakers aiming to secure first win at home to Malahide

The Utility Trust St Paul’s Lakers will be hoping for a turn of fortunes this weekend after suffering a defeat...
News2 months ago

Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite

Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out...
News3 months ago

Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC

Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic. The 17-year-old forward...
News3 months ago

Time change for Kerry team homecoming in Killarney

Celebrations are set to get underway in Killarney tonight as the Kerry team make their way back to the Kingdom...
Sport4 months ago

Injured Kerry quartet return for do-or-die showdown with Cavan

by Adam Moynihan All-Ireland Preliminary Quarter-Final Kerry v Cavan Saturday 3.30pm Fitzgerald Stadium Key players Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Diarmuid O’Connor...