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Family overwhelmed by community support

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By Sean Moriarty

 

The wife of a Firies GAA player who lost his leg in a work-related accident has described the support their family has received from the local community as “outstanding” and “overwhelming”.

 

A fundraising drive to help Seamus O’Brien, a former a Firies Gaelic footballer, has raised  over  €20,000.

 

The 49-year-old suffered the injury while working on a construction site in County Cork in February 2018. His left leg was amputated in November last year after undergoing seven unsuccessful operations.

 

Since his accident, the self-employed carpenter, who is a father of four teenagers, has been unable to work.

 

That’s left his wife Ruth, a nurse, as the family’s only wage-earner, and placed additional stress on their finances.

 

In a bid to help, Firies GAA teamed up with his former London GAA Club, the Kingdom Kerry Gaels and his wife’s Seneschalstown Club in County Meath to raise money to pay for three prosthetic legs, to enable Seamus to walk again.

 

“It is overwhelming, we did not expect this kind of support,” Ruth told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “The community spirit, in London, Kerry and Meath, has been outstanding. His former club in London initiated the fundraising and they shared it out to his clubs at home.”

 

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and adjustments to the family’s house will incur even further costs.

 

Seamus is currently recovering at home but must attend weekly out-patient clinics in Cork and Dublin hospitals. He travels by train adding a further financial burden to the family.

To donate to the Kingdom Kerry Gaels’ page go to:

www.gofundme.com/f/seamus-obrien-support 

 

 

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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