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ADAPT welcomes new domestic violence awareness campaign

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EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

A new Government awareness and information campaign on domestic violence launched on Wednesday has been welcomed by a Kerry charity in what they say is "a critical time for women and children".

ADAPT Kerry, who operate a domestic violence refuge for women and their children, is encouraging people to call their 24 hour helpline on 066 7129100 for support and advice as part of the 'Still Here' campaign.

Catherine Casey, General Manager said that women and children may be confined and isolated with their abuser across Kerry.

She said that the campaign was creative and strong in its message to survivors and communities that professional frontline supports in Kerry are open and operating and that the 2K zone did not apply to survivors seeking safety.

“The most important message is that we are open and working to help protect women and children here in Kerry," Catherine said. "COVID-19 brings challenges but we are re-configuring and finding new, creative ways to help keep women safe.”

She said that their greatest concern is that women may be finding it much more difficult to make contact for support.

"Previously women may have contacted services when they or their partners were at work or out of the house, or when children were in school. Those little windows of freedom are being cut down. Many women are reaching out to us and we want you to know that you are not alone at this difficult time."

With these stressful circumstances it is now more important than ever that there is a strong community response to domestic violence, she added.

“During COVID-19 we are being reminded that we are all in this together. The response to domestic violence can be no different. We are asking people to be vigilant, to keep in touch with friends and family, to be aware that homes may not be safe and to be her voice in looking for support at a time when she may not be able to use hers.”

Catherine said that a strong awareness campaign must be matched with solid and reliable State funding so that ADAPT Kerry is adequately resourced to continue to re-home women or keep them safe in their homes.

"Safe Ireland, the national social change agency, has made a case to Government on behalf of all services, including ours to enable all services to manage this crisis adequately."

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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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