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UN Peacekeepers to receive prestigious award

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AWARD: UN veteran John O'Mahony from Scartaglin, pictured at the announcement that the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces, who served on UN Peacekeeping duties over the past 60 years, are to receive the Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019. Photo: Don MacMonagle

 

It was announced this week that the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces, who have served on UN Peacekeeping duties over the past 60 years, are to receive the Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019.

This year, the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society decided to move the programme forward to June 4, to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of the WW II liberation of Rome and the successful conclusion of the Hugh O’Flaherty inspired Rome Escape Line.

In 2008, the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society was formed in his home town of Killarney to honour his memory by acknowledging his humanitarian works during the 1930s in Haiti and San Domingo, and the early 1940s during WW II in Rome.

At its first meeting of 2019, the Memorial Committee unanimously decided that it should present the 2019 Humanitarian Award to the members of the Irish Defence Forces, past and present, who have served in UN Peacekeeping Missions overseas for the past 60+ years,

Chair of the O’Flaherty Memorial Society Jerry O’Grady explained.

“To date, 86 members of the Irish Defence Forces have lost their lives while serving in peacekeeping humanitarian missions with the UN,” he said.

“We believe that this immense selfless sacrifice in the name of world peace deserves to be acknowledged in this way and we should all be tremendously proud of our men and women who wear the famous Blue Beret.”

In 1980, Private John O’Mahony 15 Bn. UN Veteran (Retd) from Scartaglin (pictured) served with the Irish Peacekeeping Force in the Lebanon. While there, John and two of his colleagues were captured by Lebanese Christian Militia. Although shot in three places, John survived, but sadly, his colleagues Private Derek Smallhorne from Dublin and Private Thomas Barrett from Cork were both killed.

The ceremony will be attended by the Minister of State for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Invitations will also be issued to the ambassadors of the various countries of origin of the PoWs saved by the Rome Escape Line.

“Details of the full programme of events will be announced later, but we are delighted to confirm that it will include a free public performance of Donie Courtney’s highly successful one-man play on the Monsignor’s life – ‘God Has No Country’.”

The Hugh O’Flaherty Commemoration Programme is supported by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and Kerry County Council Community Support Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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