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€50k fundraiser launched to help non-verbal boy

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By Michelle Crean

The parents of a five-year-old boy are hoping to raise €50,000 to get life-changing treatment to help his development so that they can hear him talk for the very first time.

Dawid Ciemny, son of Slawek Ciemny and Kamila Smietanska, doesn’t speak or communicate with his parents and is sadly still in nappies.

His parents, who live in Courtyard Killarney, were originally given the diagnosis of Autism but say it’s much more complex than that as Dawid doesn't talk or understand them, and they say the disease has taken away his chance for normal development as he suffers from irrational anxieties, sometimes he is too weak to walk and his small body is in constant pain.

In a bid to give him the best start in life they’ve sourced specialist care in Poland but it comes at a cost of €5,000 per treatment every six weeks for the little boy who currently attends the ASD Sunshine Class in Holy Cross Mercy School.

“In the beginning we had a diagnosis of Autism but it is something else,” his father Slawek explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

“We were looking for four years to see what was going on. He goes to a psychologist and speech therapist. He has autoimmune encephalitis and treatment is very expensive. We will need to go to Poland for immunotherapy. The treatment is every six weeks for three days and it costs €5,000 per visit.”

He said that the treatment may or may not work for Dawid but they have to try it to give him the best possible future.

“We have to go to Poland to try. Some kids get better after – but we have no guarantee and he could stay the same like now. He doesn’t speak, he doesn’t understand what we say. He is still in nappies. He is still walking, physically he is OK.”

Dawid will begin treatment in April 2022 if they are able to raise the funding. To help go to GoFundMe: 'The disease has taken control over Dawid !'

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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