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Laura’s fundraising drive for Ugandan Village

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Rathmore native Laura Cronin is gearing up for the volunteering trip of a lifetime this June as she prepares to travel to Uganda to help build a community playground, an initiative aimed at creating lasting change through the power of play.

A final-year Pharmacy student at Ulster University in County Derry, Laura is currently juggling her studies with an impressive slate of local fundraising efforts, all in aid of Play Action International, the charity behind the playground project. The organisation focuses on building safe, educational play spaces across East Africa, using them not only for fun, but as vital tools for early learning, social development, and community engagement.

“Before starting my career, I felt a strong desire to dedicate time to something meaningful,” Laura said. “When I discovered Play Action International, I was immediately drawn to the idea that something as simple as play could have such a huge impact on a child’s development and future.”

To support her mission, Laura has launched a local business raffle with the help of generous sponsors from across Rathmore and Killarney, and she’s also inviting the community to a coffee morning and bake sale on Saturday, April 26 at The White Raven Curio Café in Rathmore.

Raffle lines are available now at Park Road Pharmacy, Killarney and Hickey’s Centra, Rathmore for just €2 per entry or €10 for six. Entries can also be made by donation via a QR code linked to Laura’s fundraising page, with contact details needed in case of a win.

Prizes include : A €100 voucher sponsored by O'Keeffe's Oil, Service Station & Hardware Shop, Rathmore, food and wine hampers from Hickey’s Centra, Rathmore and Daly’s SuperValu, Killarney, Wellness and beauty hamper from CarePlus Pharmacy, Park Road, Killarney, €50 voucher from Kennelly’s Pharmacy & Opticians, Killarney, Mystery spot prize from Trant’s Pharmacy, Park Road, Killarney, Food and drinks voucher from Frankie’s Coffee Shop, Barraduff.

All proceeds from the raffle and bake sale will go directly to the charity, supporting not only the construction of the playground but also the wider mission of using play as a developmental and educational tool.

“I’m so grateful to the local businesses and everyone who’s pitched in so far,” Laura said. “It really shows the strength of our community, and I’d be thrilled to see more people get involved.”

To learn more or support Laura’s journey, follow her fundraising updates here.

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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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