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Conor McGregor thanks “inspirational” Ian O’Connell

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Brave Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell was already a hero to the people of Killarney but last weekend his positive message reached a whole new audience; it even touched one of the biggest superstars in the world.

Ian suffered serious injuries to his neck and spine when he fell from his bike in the National Park last August and is currently paralysed from the shoulders down. On Friday night the 16-year-old student from Pinewood appeared on RTÉ’s Late Late Show alongside his father Michael to talk about his accident and ongoing recovery.

The nation was blown away by Ian’s positivity in the face of such tremendous adversity with viewers taking to social media in their thousands to express their admiration for the plucky Killarney youngster. The following night, Ian was attending an event at Dublin’s 3 Arena and bumped into a very famous fan: MMA legend and one of the most successful Irish athletes of all time, Conor McGregor.

In a heart-warming Instagram post which has received over 1.5 million likes, McGregor explained the chance meeting. “Watching the Late Late show last night and on comes this young man!” he wrote.

“I was blown away by him and his attitude to life and in facing adversity! Then tonight, by complete chance, I bumped into him at an event and end up getting to watch the main event fight ringside with him! Thank you Ian it was great to meet you my brother, you are some man! Your quote literally blew me away! ‘If you can’t stand up, STAND OUT!’ I think I speak for every Irish man and woman that watched you on the Late Late show last night by saying you are a true inspiration to us! Thank you brother.”

Donations to the Ian O’Connell Fund poured in over the weekend and at the time of going to print, it had reached €42,000. The current goal is €50,000. Ian’s family hope the money raised will allow them to make important changes to their home in light of Ian’s return from rehab. To make a contribution, visit Ian’s GoFundMe page or select the Ian O’Connell Fund when registering for the upcoming Ring of Kerry Cycle.

 

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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