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Commemoration of deaths of three civilians in Milltown during the Civil War

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A commemoration is to be held in Milltown next month to remember three local civilians who died during the Civil War.

Milltown in the early 1920s.

Milltown in the early 1920s.

The deaths of Jeremiah Hanifin, Jeremiah McKenna and Mary McKenna in separate incidents during 1922 represented almost one quarter of all the civilian casualties in County Kerry during the Civil War.

Organised by local historian and author, Owen O’Shea, and with the support of the Milltown Community and Chamber Alliance, a memorial plaque will be unveiled at the Square in Milltown on Sunday, May 7 at 12 noon.

"In all wars, the toll on civilians is often forgotten and overlooked. During the Civil War, a total of 14 civilians lost their lives in Kerry. It is important that they are remembered and not forgotten as we approach the centenary of the end of the Civil War," said Owen.

Father of 10, Jeremiah Hanifin was talking to a neighbour outside his home near Farran Cross, Milltown in September 1922 when a Free State army patrol passed by. Shots were fired indiscriminately and Hanifin was mortally wounded. Two months later at Kilderry near the village, mother and son Mary and Jeremiah McKenna died when they were fired upon following an ambush of a Free State army cycling patrol. All three were innocent bystanders with no apparent connections to the conflict.

"Thankfully, my home town of Milltown was spared much of the viciousness and brutality of the Civil War which impacted communities in many other parts of Kerry. There were, for example, no known fatalities among natives of Milltown in the ranks of the Free State army or the anti-Treaty IRA.

"Sadly however, three innocent civilians became victims of the dreadful war, which claimed the lives of a total of 14 civilians and over 150 combatants in Kerry. It is important that we remember and commemorate those who died during this dark period in our history, be they combatant or civilian."

The commemoration ceremony will feature a short address by Owen on the Civil War in Milltown and the unveiling of a stone plaque to the memory of the three people who died, by local councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District, Cllr Michael O’Shea.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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