Connect with us

News

Breeda’s generous act as she makes 50 blood donations

Published

on

DONATION: Breeda O'Donoghue from Rathmore, who has donated blood over 50 times, is calling on others to give the gift of blood.

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

A Rathmore woman who has donated blood over 50 times is calling on more locals to donate.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Board is operating blood donation clinics in the Dromhall Hotel from Monday to Thursday next (September 28 to October 1).

 

Breeda O’Donoghue is preparing for her 51st donation having first donated blood over 30 years ago.

The mother of three donates every three months and is encouraging more to do the same.

“In my 30 years donating it has never once impacted on my life in a negative way,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “My three sons, the youngest 19, does it and it such an important thing to do.”

One of Breeda’s favourite parts of the whole process is knowing her healthy blood is going to help someone less fortunate.

“The Irish Blood Transfusion Board (IBTB) always ring you and tell you where your blood went to. My last donation went to someone in Wexford, but it could be a hospital too,” she added. “The main point I want to get across is people should be doing this, it does not impact their lives in anyway but it could save someone else.”

New changes introduced as a result of COVID-19 restrictions mean donors must pre-register, via www.giveblood.ie, for each clinic as walk-ins are no longer allowed. All other COVID-19 regulations like social distancing and mask wearing are observed during each clinic. Also, donations are not allowed while pregnant or one year after giving birth.

“Despite COVID-19, the IBTS have continued to provide safe blood for hospitals across the country," Maureen Gill-Emerson, IBTS Donor Services Manager, said.

"To do this, we need to rely on regular and new donors to attend the clinics. Our donors’ safety is a priority and we are so grateful for their support in helping us maintain the blood supply. Our appointment system will allow for social distancing and we’ve added further precautions to ensure their well-being. There is no substitute for blood. Each blood donation can save up to three lives and every donor that comes into a clinic is allowing hospital patients more time with their loved ones.”

Advertisement

News

New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

News

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Published

on

By

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport