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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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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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