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A Heartfelt message from a Ukrainian migrant in Killarney

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By Natalia Krasnenkova As a migrant in Killarney in 2023, I reflect on the significance of the International Day of Migrants initiated by the UN General Assembly in 2000. Little did I expect this day to personally touch my life, but due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, I increasingly find myself feeling like a forced migrant.

Natalia Krasnenkova was one of the first Ukrainian war refugees to arrive in Killarney

Amid the festive spirit of Christmas, reminiscent of the biblical story where Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with baby Jesus, I can't help but draw parallels to the 8,000 Ukrainians in Kerry today who resonate with the pages of the Bible as forced migrants.

Like the family of Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus in their arms 2,000 years ago, Ukrainian families have become a forced-migrant nowadays.
What is it like being a migrant? It means a complete loss of control over life's basics. Living in a hotel without cooking facilities, we can't control even the simplest things like food. Zero absence protocol means we're not allowed to leave the hotel, marking our presence there every day. Starting anew as a migrant involves learning a new language, searching for jobs, mastering new professions, and adapting to unfamiliar rules. Often, it feels like being a failure, struggling to comprehend half of what is said around you.

Living as a forced migrant means navigating two parallel realities. While physically in Killarney, attempting to forge a new life, thoughts and emotions frequently return to Ukraine, where the war persists and loved ones endure. Constantly checking the news and calling home is a ritual, reassuring ourselves that our dear ones are still alive.

However, our migrant experience in Killarney is also adorned with bright moments. Grateful for the support of local families in Fossa and Killarney from the early days, we, the first Ukrainians at the Innishfallen Hotel, received immediate assistance, clothes, toys, bicycles. The kindness of Sean Sweeney from the local scout organisation, Nicola Lynch uniting mums from Fossa School to raise funds for vouchers, and Maria Carol O'Sullivan's thoughtful gestures made our days brighter.

The O'Raw family sheltered a Ukrainian family, and the Killarney Immigrant Support Center (KASI), NEWKD, SKDP, and Kerry County Council have been a significant support. While I may not name everyone, the warmth and hospitality received are deeply appreciated.

Eager to contribute to the close-knit community, we participate in local events like the St. Patrick's Day parade, Christmas celebrations, and organise concerts, film screenings, and volunteer projects. Symbolically, we brought and planted 20 viburnum bushes along the Killarney municipal area, expressing our gratitude to this community that has embraced us.

Being a migrant is challenging, but the local Killarney community makes our stay a bit easier. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every local resident, family, and organisation that supports us.
In the spirit of the season, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Personally, I dream of meeting the next day's migrants at home, in Kyiv, in a peaceful Ukraine.

Natalia Krasnenkova

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Rotary Club distributes €21,000 to local causes

Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries. […]

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Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries.

The event, which is the club’s primary fundraiser, raised a total of €1,000. These funds were distributed among several local schools and community organisations during a celebratory luncheon.
The schools benefiting from the night include Faha, Fossa, Gael Scoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane, and St. Brendan’s College. Other organisations receiving support include Kerry Hospice, Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley Athletic Club, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, and the Rise & Shine Trust.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan praised the collaborative effort that made the fundraiser possible. “The success of this event is a direct result of shared commitment and community spirit,” she said. She thanked the hands-on involvement of the beneficiary groups, who worked alongside Rotary members to manage the night.
The club also acknowledged key partners Daly’s SuperValu and Killarney Credit Union for their ongoing sponsorship. Additional thanks were extended to the Great Southern Killarney and the Scally Hotel Collection, while Cronin’s Cider was welcomed as a new contributor this year.
A significant portion of the total was raised through an art auction, where local artists and crafters donated 100% of the proceeds from their work to the fund.

Following the success of last year’s fundraiser, Killarney Rotary Club has confirmed the provisional date for the 2026 event.

The 25th annual Wine and Art Night is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The evening will once again feature a showcase of local art and crafts, alongside the popular wine and cheese reception.
Organisers are encouraging artists, sponsors, and community groups to mark the date in their diaries early. Further details regarding venue and ticket sales will be released closer to the event.

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club charity weekend for Jack and Jill

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May […]

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

This year’s event will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The event is sponsored by Truffle Honey.
The weekend will feature a Team of Four competition. Entry is €40 per person or €160 per team. Online entry is available through the club’s booking system at www.killarneygolfclub.ie. A dedicated fundraising page for donations has also been set up at www.idonate.ie.
A charity raffle will also run throughout the weekend, featuring green fees for top golf courses and various prizes donated by local supporters.
“The work Jack and Jill do for families in Kerry and across Ireland is extraordinary,” Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice said in a joint statement. “We are proud to play our part in helping them continue that mission and look forward to welcoming members and visitors for a fantastic weekend of golf.”
Siobhan Reen of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation thanked the club for their support.
“Every euro raised helps us provide vital home nursing care, giving children the chance to be cared for at home, where they belong,” she said.
The foundation currently supports over 490 families across Ireland, including many in County Kerry, providing up to 100 hours of home nursing care per month.
Those looking to enter a team can visit the Killarney Golf Club website (
http://www.killarneygolfclub.ie/), while those wishing to donate can do so via the iDonate fundraiser page for the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Open Captains’ Charity Weekend.
Further information on the services provided by the foundation can be found at www.jackandjill.ie.

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