News
Air Ambulance could be grounded today (Friday)
&
By Sean Moriarty
Ireland’s new charity Air Ambulance service, the Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR), could be grounded today (Friday) - unless €370,000 has been found to save the service.
The Air Ambulance, which is based on an airfield near Millstreet County Cork and since its foundation in July last year has flown on 250 different missions.
Operating entirely as a charity, the service receives no government funding and all its purchases, such as aviation fuel, is subjected to VAT.
Two weeks ago, ICRR Operations Manager Ruth Bruton, put out an urgent appeal for funds to keep the service in the sky. A fundraising drive at that time raised €30,000 but a shortfall of €370,000 remains. The net result is the helicopter may not be able to fly this weekend as there is no money available to pay bills, wages and operating fees.
“We planned for 350 missions in our first 12 months based on mission figures from the State funded Aer Corps Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) in 2018, which saw them carry out 310 missions,” she said. “In a little over five months, we have flown over 270 missions which raises our estimates to 600 possible life-saving missions per year. With our increased demand, we need support now more than ever.”
Mayor of Killarney Michael Gleeson is calling on Government support to keep the Air Ambulance in the sky.
“The Government should immediately accept long term responsibility for the cost of running this service,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “The air ambulance has a particular importance in our county with its rugged mountainous terrain and difficult to access locations. The air ambulance should be acknowledged and supported as a vital and indispensable health service.”
News
Last chance to enter Spa GAA’s fundraising draw
By Sean Moriarty There is just less than one week left to enter Spa GAA’s fundraising raffle. The ‘Cairde Spa’ draw takes place on Thursday night (February 2) the Spa’s […]

By Sean Moriarty
There is just less than one week left to enter Spa GAA’s fundraising raffle.
The ‘Cairde Spa’ draw takes place on Thursday night (February 2) the Spa’s clubhouse at 7pm.
Funds raised will go towards the upgrade and development works planned over the next few years.
Guest of honour on the night is national GAA president Larry McCarthy and the Sam Maguire Cup will make an appearance too.
“Apart from ongoing and essential maintenance work, the club has a number of development projects in the pipeline. The money is being raised towards improving our grounds to provide top class facilities that can be used year-round, including car parking, perimeter fencing for pitches, ladies and juveniles dressing rooms, outdoor skills wall, player dug outs for senior and juvenile pitches, safety enhancements and lighting on the walking track, landscaping, scoreboard, viewing gallery to the sports hall, alignment of entrance to the grounds and a remembrance garden,” said Michael Cronin, Club Chairman.
“We are calling on everyone to get behind the fundraiser. Our vision is to provide top class grounds and facilities where everyone is welcome to use and participate fully in our activities, games and culture. In order to achieve this vision, we are setting out exciting new developments and investments in our facilities – and we need your support.”
There are 10 prizes up for grabs: 1st Prize: €15,000, 2nd Prize: €3,000, 3rd Prize: €2,000, 4th Prize: €1,000, 5th Prize: Two nights dinner and B&B at the Killarney Park Hotel, 6th Prize: €500 Voucher for Killarney Carpets & Furniture, 7th Prize: €300 Voucher for O’Sullivan’s Cycles, 8th Prize: €250 Voucher for Killarney Oils, 9th Prize: €150 Voucher for Killarney Hardware and 10th Prize: A signed Kerry jersey.
Tickets are €100 each and can be collected/returned at the clubhouse this Saturday (10.30am-12noon), Monday (7-8pm) or Wednesday (7-8pm), and tickets are also available online on spagaa.com.
Any queries contact Andy (087 2236754), Michael (085 8213027), Assumpta (087 6779292) or Deirdre (085 1216359) or any Club Officers.
News
Marian Players excited to get back on stage
By Michelle Crean With a cast of over 50 it’s no small undertaking – but that won’t deter one panto group who are only too happy to get back on […]

By Michelle Crean
With a cast of over 50 it’s no small undertaking – but that won’t deter one panto group who are only too happy to get back on stage this weekend.
It’s been two years since they staged a show due to COVID but the Marian Players Rathmore are rearing to go tomorrow night (Saturday) with their hilarious show ‘Dame Annie Goes West’.
A medley of comedy and colour, combined with music and dance, locals from both sides of the border have been working together to make it a great production.
“We’re very excited, we can’t wait! It’s great to be back,” Mary Hickey told the Killarney Advertiser.
“They [the cast] got together in October and they’re at it since.”
Val Moynihan is the “genius behind it”, she added, and it’s produced by her son Brian Hickey, and co-written with Eilish Coakley.
She said that they have loads working in the background also doing the stage curtains, lighting and making costumes amongst other tasks.
“It’s a pantomime without the pantomime in the background! It’s a whole community effort both sides of the border.”
Evening shows start at 7.30pm tomorrow (Saturday) and again Sunday (January 29) at 3pm.
Mid-week shows continue on Wednesday next (February 1) at 7.30pm, Thursday (February 2) at 7.30pm and also Saturday (February 4) at 7.30pm and Sunday (February 5) at 3pm.
The booking office (085 2031730) will be open every day from 2pm to 6pm to reserve seats and collect tickets and is located adjacent to the community centre, next to Christy’s Take Away.
Seats may be reserved over the phone too and paid for using a bank card. All proceeds are going to Kerry Parents & Friends Association.
-
Sport2 weeks ago
Are they the best or are they simply the biggest? Fitzgerald’s research is helping Kerry to identify young talent
-
News1 week ago
Man dies in construction accident in Muckross
-
Sport2 weeks ago
McGrath Cup form indicates that Kerry have plenty of work to do
-
Sport1 week ago
Exclusive: Paudie Clifford reflects on “emotional” All-Ireland Junior Club final