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400 people living in the same place “not ideal” – Chamber

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has raised concerns about the number of people from different ethnic backgrounds living together in temporary accommodation.

The Chamber issued a statement following Sunday’s mass brawl at Hotel Killarney where up to 400 International Protection applicants are now living.

The Chamber has welcomed assurances from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, that steps are being taken to safeguard against such incidents happening again.

Minister O’Gorman has confirmed to the Chamber that he is liaising closely with An Garda Síochána on the matter and that measures will be taken, in the immediate term, to deal with the issues.

Attempts by the Killarney Advertiser to contact Minister O’Gorman's office this week were not successful.

“We look forward to a positive and effective outcome from those talks,” the Chamber said.

“The Chamber fully concurs with local sentiment that having 400 people, of several nationalities, in one temporary international asylum seeker centre is far from ideal and a proper, safer and more sensible government policy is required going forward.

“The Chamber is of the view, and has expressed it in the past, that there has been a serious and unacceptable lack of communication between the State agencies involved in sourcing accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees and local authorities, community organisations and services providers at a local level.”

The Chamber also called for a measured approach to the incident and expressed confidence in An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service's efforts to bring the case to a successful conclusion.

“Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce was very concerned and disappointed to learn of the events that happened. While acknowledging that the reported violence that broke out was an isolated incident and must be looked at in context, such behaviour can never be tolerated and is not welcome in Killarney.

“Obviously, this negative publicity is most unwelcome and must be condemned and we understand the genuine concerns expressed by local organisations and individuals.

“We have every confidence in An Garda Síochána’s ability to bring those responsible to justice and it is understood that efforts are being made to prevent potential future flashpoints from occurring.”

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Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections

Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]

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Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.

Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.

The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.

Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.

Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.

She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.

“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”

In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.

In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.

last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.

During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.

This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.

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Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity

Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday. Phillip has already […]

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Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.

Phillip has already completed four half marathons at various locations around Killarney – all in aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group – or the Cancer Bus as it popularly called.

This is the second time that Phillip has run four half marathon and an official race for the charity.

Back in 2021 he finished with 5km Run Killarney event but his finishing race this time around is over eight times the distance at 42kms.

“We are delighted with Philip’s continued fundraising support but also with his awareness raising for the charity,” Breda Dyland, Service Manager Kerry Cancer Support Trust.

“We are getting busier all the time and still get no statutory funding so are dependent on fundraisers like Philip’s to keep us on the road. We have just put our new wheelchair accessible bus on the Cork route so Philip’s funding will be going towards the operation of this vehicle.”

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