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After 42 years Bridget is still donating!

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BLOOD DONOR: Bridget McGuire from Killarney, who has been donating blood for 42 years is encouraging people to make a difference. Photo: Francis Foley

 

By Francis Foley

For 42 years giving has been a huge part of one woman’s life as Killarney woman Bridget McGuire has to date donated 50 pints of blood.

It takes just half an hour to donate one pint – but for Bridget from Dennehy's Bohereen, it’s so much more as giving blood is so satisfying and worthwhile.

Bridget started giving blood in 1978, and plans to continue giving blood for as long as she can.

Bridget’s reasons for donating blood are quite straight forward and simple, as she explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week.

“The shortage of blood in the national blood banks is huge, so the more people that can give the better the situation will become.”

She added that the satisfaction you can get from helping others is a good feeling.

“The thought that one day your own family or friends may need a transfusion is an added reason to make it worth doing.”

In Killarney there are about three donation sessions a year, each lasting for approximately a week in certain venues in the town.

The next sessions in Killarney will be during the summer and the actual time, dates and venue will be advertised locally in advance. You can either register with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service before you go or just turn up on the day.

Donors are given a questionnaire at the beginning to see if they are suitable to donate, as some people may be rejected due to ill health or an on-going blood condition. These questions vary from your age to if you have had a tattoo or piercing in the last four months. There is also a simple blood test for suitability administered by staff at the venue on the day.

“It is completely painless and you don’t feel a thing while you’re being prepared for the donation or during it. This is helped by the excellent staff that attend to you by putting you at ease, and by the tea, coffee and biscuits you receive afterwards,” Bridget said.

Once donated all the blood is tested again for diseases, making sure it is completely safe before distributing it to hospitals around the country.

Donating blood is quick, easy and very rewarding for the donor.

“You’ll never know when you might need someone else’s blood yourself one day.”

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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