News
Community unites to protect SNA supports in schools
The people of Killarney took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the proposed plans to reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in mainstream schools.
It was part of a nationwide demonstration that took place across the country, attended by parents, teachers and SNAs.
Although the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, confirmed that there would be no reduction of SNAs for the next school year having put the review "on pause", protests went ahead as planned to voice their anger and frustration over the initial decision to cut SNA numbers in schools in the first place.
The protest in Killarney drew a large crowd outside Market Cross in the town centre.
In Killarney, Fossa National School and Glenflesk National School were initially told their SNA numbers would reduce in the next school year, sparking outrage and concern among both school communities.
The decision has since been reversed, however, anger and fear still remain.
Paul Favier, principal of Glenflesk NS, felt the reported cuts seemed excessive as there has been a lot of progress and positive work in special education over the last 25 years.
“The money invested by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in special education has been very welcome, and schools are generally satisfied with the level of support being provided,” he said. “However, recent communication to schools reducing their allocation of SNAs is worrying.”
He added that while the NCSE may be able to justify the reductions, schools believe the criteria being applied is outdated, noting that schools have changed considerably over the past 12 years.
Children with conditions such as autism and ADHD have specific and often complex needs.
While many can attend mainstream classes, they often struggle with emotional regulation, sensory issues and behavioural challenges, among other difficulties.
Shari Murphy works as a SNA and explained that many of these pupils require additional support including assistance with feeding and going to the toilet.
She said: “These children need a break from the classroom to regulate but without a SNA the class teacher can't facilitate this because they can't leave the room. Who will look after that child?”
One parent who attended the demonstration acknowledged the tremendous work that SNAs do every day working with children.
She said depriving a child of the support that helps them cope throughout the school day is “unjust” and that “we should be trying to improve supports not taking them away”.
Another SNA who attended the protest described the role of a SNA as “outdated, undervalued and in urgent need of recognition” and said the job role needs to be “fully reviewed and modernised”.
Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly welcomed the government’s U-turn however he warned a permanent solution is needed to resolve the problem.
He described the pause as “temporary relief” and said the government need to “go back to the drawing board to review the 2015 circular and work with schools to develop special needs education in Ireland”.
He said: “As the only opposition TD for Kerry, I am calling Kerry’s four government and government supporting to ensure that the government brings forward lasting solutions to tackle the crises in special needs education in Ireland.”
Concerns grow over rough sleeping beside Cathedral
A makeshift encampment beside St Mary’s Cathedral has renewed debate over rough sleeping in Killarney, raising questions about support for vulnerable people and the management of public spaces.
A photograph shared on a local Facebook page this week shows a tent, bedding and belongings beneath a tree near the cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and a car park used by worshippers and visitors. The location is also close to secondary schools. Comments beneath the photograph reflect concern about the encampment’s appearance and whether the response has been appropriate. The circumstances of the person staying there, including whether they have been offered accommodation or support, have not been established. Killarney councillors have raised rough sleeping repeatedly. In February 2021, the late Cllr Donal Grady told the Killarney Advertiser that some people sleeping rough had declined offers of accommodation in Killarney and Tralee. At the time, a Kerry County Council official told a Joint Policing Committee meeting: “If a person refuses accommodation then there’s nothing we can do about it. ”Those comments concerned earlier cases. They provide no evidence about the person currently pictured beside the cathedral. In January 2025, Cllr John O’Donoghue called for continued engagement with people sleeping rough, even when they were reluctant to accept help. Kerry County Council said homelessness involves complex circumstances that require cooperation between agencies.The cathedral adds a powerful historical dimension. Construction stopped during the Great Famine, when the unfinished building served as a hospital and shelter for the sick and dying. Children who died during the Famine were buried in its grounds.
A DIFFICULT SITUATION
A makeshift shelter beside this landmark raises a difficult question for a town known internationally for tourism and hospitality. Killarney also remembers the death in 2018 of a man believed to have been sleeping rough. The priority must be the individual’s welfare and dignity, alongside appropriate care for a busy public area. Has outreach taken place? Has suitable accommodation been offered? Who is responsible for managing the site, and what steps are being taken towards a lasting solution?
Have your say: info@killarneyadvertiser.ie
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
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