News
After an amazing battle little Lily is cancer free

By Michelle Crean
A little girl who has battled a rare form of cancer after being diagnosed last summer was eletated to finally ring the bell this week after being given the all clear.
Seven-year-old Lily (Lil) Sebestova was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on her hand - a Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma - just days after her birthday in July.
After enduring months of treatments including many gruelling rounds of intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy,Lily and her family - who have been through an emotional and mentally draining journey - were overwhelmed and relieved on Saturday when she finally reached her goal of beating the disease.
Killarney locals were amongst those who gave generously to a GoFundMe set up by Killarney man, Jason Clifford, the Manager at the Dunloe Hotel, where Lily's mom Lorraine has worked for the past 15 years.
In total €26,140 was raised - over double of the €10,000 target - and the support has been incredible according to Lily's parents Lorraine and Dodi Sebest who live in Tralee.
"She rang the bell on Saturday morning," Lorraine told the Killarney Advertiser.
"She's after beating cancer. We were told that there are no signs of cancer."
While it is wonderful news, according to Lorraine, she added that the family are happy but traumatised as they try to get back to normal after such a traumatic year.
"I had been praying so hard for maintenance chemo and when they told us I was bawling crying and hugging Lily. She will have a diagnostic scan on March 31 to confirm and she still has a year of maintenance chemo, but that heavy burden of fear is gone."
The family, she added, has been genetically tested as it's such a rare cancer but Lily will have to watched for life.
She added that there had been a possibility that Lily's hand would have to be amputated if the treatment didn't work.
However, after hearing the good news, last week Lily started piano lessons for the very first time.
"She went back to school and her health and her weight is up. She held her own, she's a fighter. She started piano lessons. Not only did they save her life they saved her hand."
Lorraine is thankful to everyone who so generously supported them to get to this point but most especially her colleagues and is hoping to return to the Dunloe Hotel later this year.
"They have been fantastic to me. The hotel is reopening in April. I love my job in the Dunloe and the staff are brilliant. I miss it and hope to be back later in the year."
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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