News
Cluain Fhionnáin to close “imminently”
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The Cluain Fhionnáin facility in Ballydribeen, which is currently home to 12 adults with intellectual disabilities, is to close “imminently” according to a report published this week by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
Based on an inspection that was carried out in December 2017, HIQA found non-compliance in a number of categories, including ‘safe and suitable premises’ and ‘health and safety’. The centre is also described as “institutional in nature” and it is stated that it “did not meet the needs of the residents”.
According to the report: “The provider's own audit report of October 2017 referred to the centre as ‘bleak’, ‘dated’ and ‘in a poor state of repair’. Inspectors found that this assessment continued to be accurate.”
The close has been confirmed by Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, who say they welcome the report’s findings.
“We acknowledge and accept that the building and the service at Cluain Fhionnáin are no longer fit for purpose,” said Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Social Care with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare. “A huge amount of work has been undertaken with residents, families and other stakeholders to move towards its closure. In the interim, significant work has been done in this centre to ensure that safe and appropriate care is provided for all residents.”
Cluain Fhionnáin has long been slated for closure but it now appears as though it will finally shut its doors in 2018, as soon as the remaining residents move on.
“Substantial work has been undertaken to help residents move to more suitable homes in the community, and we are delighted that 16 residents have already moved to their new homes, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said in a statement. “As the remaining residents will move to new homes this year, we are happy to now confirm that the centre will close by the end of this year.
“We accept the remaining issues highlighted in today’s report, and work was already underway on many of the matters raised by HIQA. The report also recognises the significant changes made last year to the way care is provided at Cluain Fhionnan which has had a very positive impact on the lives of residents. The report states that “residents were experiencing a better quality of life than before despite living in an institutional setting” and also highlights “positive and enriching” changes for residents. We would like to thank the staff involved in this work.
They added that despite the imminent closure, substantial work has been done to address any issues identified in this and other HIQA inspections. For example, they say, a plan is in place to have additional staff working at the centre at night, and additional support from a social care worker and a psychologist has been arranged.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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