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Is your child’s car seat fitted correctly?

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Above: Ron Richardson, Check it Fits, and Garda Finbarr O'Donovan.

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MOTORISTS in Killarney have until 5.30pm today to avail of a top-class free service that will help them check that their children’s car seats are fitted correctly.

Shockingly, statistics show that four out of five car seats are incorrectly fitted. Receiving correct advice and guidance is crucial and all day today, Killarney Gardaí have been joining forces with the Road Safety Authority’s “Check it Fits” service.

A team of experts are currently offering help at Deerpark Tesco (behind Tesco) to provide a free service for parents to avail of practical advice and expert fitting of their child car seats. “Following this information and awareness campaign by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, we will commence an enforcement operation between now and Christmas. This enforcement operation is specific to Killarney at the moment,” said Sergeant Dermot O’Connell of Killarney Gardaí. ”All children under 150cms, approximately 4 feet 10 inches in height, or 36kgs (79lbs) in weight must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi).”

An example of a CRS would be a child car seat or booster cushion/booster seat. Rear-facing child car seats must not be used in passenger seats protected by an active frontal airbag. An airbag which deploys (opens up) in front of a rearward-facing child car seat can cause serious injury or even death if there is a collision.

There is no law against children sitting in the front seat, as long as they are using the right child restraint for their height and weight. However, as above it is illegal to use a rearward-facing child car seat in a passenger seat protected by an airbag. The deployment of an airbag where a rearward–facing baby seat is in place can cause serious injury to the child or even death.

The service takes between 10-15 minutes, is free of charge and offers parents and guardians reassurance that their child is safe while travelling in the car.

Since ‘Check it Fits’ began in October 2013, the RSA service has checked over 8,000 child car seats and restraints across Ireland. Of these, 82% required some adjustment. Worryingly, 75% of seats required a major adjustment, of which 4% were deemed not fit for purpose and condemned, meaning they have the potential to cause injury or even death in the event of a collision.

Ron Richardson of Check if Fits informed us that the team will be in Tralee tomorrow, Wednesday, October 26, at the car park near SuperValu on Rock Street. They will be there from 10am to 5.30pm to check your child car seat for free.
For more information on Check it Fits and for an up-to-date schedule of upcoming road shows, visit http://www.rsa.ie/checkitfits
 


 
Above: Ron Richardson, Check it Fits, and Garda Finbarr O'Donovan.

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Caoimhe Murray set for lead role in Musical Society’s 40th anniversary show

Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead […]

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Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead cast members, including local performer Caoimhe Murray.

Caoimhe takes on the role of Lorraine, a fun-loving and spirited character who falls in love with the mayor’s son, Dean Hyde.
The production is a significant family milestone for Caoimhe, who has been a member of the society for nine years.
She is the daughter of Amanda Murray and the granddaughter of Phil Spillane, both of whom are also long-standing members and part of this year’s cast.
This production marks Caoimhe’s fifth show with the society. Her previous experience includes playing Brigitta Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2018, as well as lead roles such as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’ with her stage school. She also recently played Sophie in her school production of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Caoimhe has built an extensive background in performing arts through years of training.
She has been a student of Fiona Crowley’s Stage School since the age of five and has attended the West End House School of Arts for acting.
Her musical training includes singing lessons with Sorcha O’Connor and piano with Catriona Cahillane, alongside completing the AIMS Youth Summer School Programme last year.
‘All Shook Up’ will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12. The show features the music of Elvis Presley and tickets are currently available through the Gleneagle Box Office or via Ticketmaster.

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Beaufort man collects 18th car from Randles Bros

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Beaufort resident Paddy O’Sullivan has marked 40 years of loyalty to Randles Bros by collecting his 18th vehicle from the dealership.

Paddy recently met with David Randles at Randles Bros Tralee to take delivery of his latest car, a new Nissan Qashqai.


The O’Sullivan family’s relationship with the garage dates back four decades to when Randles Bros operated as an Austin Morris dealer.

Paddy’s first purchase was a Morris Marina, one of the top-selling models of the 1970s.
As the dealership evolved, so did Paddy’s choice of vehicles.

When the garage took on the Datsun franchise, he moved into a Datsun 140 J, also known as the Datsun Violet.

Following the brand’s transition to Nissan in the 1980s, he became a frequent owner of the Nissan Bluebird. This was followed by a stint owning five different Nissan Primeras throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.


In recent years, he has transitioned to the Nissan Qashqai, with this latest ‘261’ registration marking his 18th time driving a new car out of the Randles Bros showroom.


David Randles thanked the Beaufort man for his continued business over the generations. “We want to thank Paddy and his family for being such a great customer to Randles Bros for so long,” he said. “Congratulations on your purchase Paddy, and safe travels.”

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