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Brave trio to take to the skies

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SKYDIVE: Marie O'Sullivan, Lauren Fitzell and Stephanie Horan are aiming for the sky for Recovery Haven on Sunday, April 5. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Michelle Crean

Three brave women are planning to jump 13,000 feet out of a plane - all in aid of a Kerry charity.

The dive, which was originally scheduled for today (Sunday), has now been postponed due to Storm Jorge – however, the girls are still ready for the big challenge on Sunday, April 5.

Marie O'Sullivan, Stephanie Horan and Lauren Fitzell are amongst 87 people from across Kerry who will take the leap of faith at the Irish Parachute Club in Edenderry over three days for Recovery Haven’s biggest ever fundraisers to date.

The charity, celebrating 10 years this year, has been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for their inaugural skydive event, which was initially supposed to take place on Leap Year day, February 29, but was extended to three days due to phenomenal demand.

Marie, who is a Slimming World consultant in Killarney, roped in two members for the thrilling adventure.

“We’ve never done a skydive before,” Marie, who lost six stone, told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

“When this popped up the pull for me was huge. I always wanted to do a skydive but couldn’t as I was obese for years.”

Marie was aged eleven when her mom passed away from cancer. It had a huge impact on her life leading to a life of weight issues.

“The weight held me back my whole life. I had no confidence and was embarrassed because of my size. My mom died aged 42, the age I am now. Recovery Haven is close to my heart and I’m more than delighted to do it.”

In total the girls have raised a whopping €5,400 in just three weeks.

Marie raised €2,200, Stephanie €1,800 and Lauren €1,400.

For Stephanie, who is a teacher in St Brigid’s Killarney, the challenge is huge but worth it.

“I had a family member who passed away from cancer and a family member currently availing of the RH service. I can’t say enough about them.”

Lauren, who lost five stone, added that it’s a chance to give something back.

 

 

 

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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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