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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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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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