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Businesses devastated at Level 3 announcement

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DISAPPOINTED: John C O'Shea, pictured with his mother Joan and Seamus 'Sham' Courtney, is disappointed with the Level 3 restrictions. Photo: Michelle Crean

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By Michelle Crean

 

Multiple Killarney businesses say they are devastated this week to close their doors just weeks after reopening to the public.

Monday night's Government announcement that the country had to move into Level 3 restrictions to try to bring the COVID virus numbers down might just be the final straw for some businesses who are already struggling after a difficult lockdown.

Many local hotels, pubs and restaurants had no choice but to either close or switch to a take away service with some having the difficult choice of putting staff back on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) as they navigate the next three weeks uncertain that they will be allowed to reopen if COVID cases aren't brought under control.

Jack C's on High Street only reopened its doors two weeks ago. After making many safety changes to ensure social distancing could be properly adhered to, owner John C had to offer his regular customers their drinks outdoors.

However, he is lucky to have access to a laneway where a limited amount of customers can enjoy a drink.

"We were open two weeks and two days," John C O'Shea from Jack C's said.

"We didn't know it was coming."

He said that it is disheartening to once again to be in such a situation.

"It's a bit sad around the streets and all the hotels are gone."

He said they waited all summer to reopen but couldn't because of the Government's regulations.

"We've been ready to reopen our doors all summer but because of the idiotic €9 substantial meal rules we couldn't. We have the laneway and the awnings have been up for two to three years. We have a wind breaker as well to cut the wind. 15 is all we can accommodate."

For Emer Corridan, General Manager in the Cahernane House Hotel, who shut their doors this week, she said it's another blow to businesses.

"We are just devastated. We closed the hotel Wednesday morning after breakfast so for Cahernane this means going from having enough level of business to keep 35 staff employed each week to only having a skeleton staff at the hotel for security. I hope there are measures in the budget to help both the business and also staff who have suffered another layoff."

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape


The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.


Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires


It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.


Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.

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