News
Couple dash to Ukraine to meet newborn son
But their ordeal is far from over as risk of war remains
By Sean Moriarty
A Killorglin couple have this week experienced the most intense emotions - as they entered a potential warzone - to meet their baby son for the very first time.
Yesterday (Thursday), parents Dermot and Dorothy Moynihan were awestruck and overcome with relief to finally meet their newborn son Luke - who was born by surrogacy in Ukraine this week.
His parents travelled from Kerry to the city of Lviv on Wednesday despite the Irish Government warning against travel to the country that is on the brink of an invasion by the Russian Army.
Yesterday the surrogate mother and baby Luke were discharged from the maternity hospital and Dermot and Dorothy are now caring for their baby in a Lviv hotel - but their ordeal is far from over.
Lviv is about 100km east of the Polish border and a four hour drive from Krakow where they need to get to as soon as they can overcome the red-tape they face.
The Moynihans needed to get an Irish passport for the baby and are awaiting the results of a DNA test to prove that Dermot is the father, before they can bring baby Luke home.
Tralee-born and Dublin-based solicitor Tracy Horan is handling the situation for the family.
She was able to secure a passport for Luke. It was initially anticipated that the family would have to travel to the Irish Embassy in Kiev to get the paperwork and the situation there is quite volatile at the moment.
Ukraine’s capital city lies about 300km from the Russian border – an area that is heavily occupied by Russian troops.
“This is a victory – we won,” Ms Horan told the Killarney Advertiser.
“The DNA test is standard procedure, it could be back anytime between Sunday and next Wednesday. Once they have that they are free to leave Ukraine, get to Poland and get home as quick as possible.”
The city of Kiev sits on the banks of the River Dnieper which allows direct access from Russia to the Black Sea and Asian shipping routes. If the war threat escalates Kiev will be one of the first cities in the country to come under attack adding to the risk for the Moynihans or the possibility of not being allowed into the city at all. There were reports of military shelling in rural areas north of the city yesterday afternoon (Thursday) as the Killarney Advertiser closed for press.
Without the passport for the baby they could not bring him home – and the Irish Government is advising all Irish citizens to leave the country.
Instead they face an anxious few days as they await the DNA results and prepare for their journey home.
Meitheal transforms Franciscan Friary railings
Killarney’s strong community spirit was on full display last Thursday as a “super meitheal” brought together local businesses and volunteers to repaint the railings in front of the Franciscan Friary.
The initiative formed part of Killarney’s Tidy Towns efforts for 2026. Staff from MD O’Shea & Sons, the Great Southern Hotel, and the Killarney Royal Townhouse joined forces with Killarney Tidy Towns volunteers to rejuvenate one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
Preparation work began with Timmy O’Sullivan of Easy Clean, who provided his time and equipment to power wash the railings. Donal ‘Dux’ O’Donoghue of Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours also gave his time and expertise to help prepare the surfaces before painting began.
With fine weather adding to the camaraderie, MD O’Shea & Sons sponsored all the paint and materials for the project while releasing staff members to dedicate a full day to the effort. Supported by teams from the Great Southern Hotel and Killarney Royal, volunteers completed the job by evening, leaving a fresh and well-maintained finish along the prominent town center location.
Photos: Eamonn Keogh
Further details revealed for new Gap dog park
The operators of a new dog walking park near the Gap of Dunloe have released further details about the new venture.
Operated by local businessman Seán MacCarthy, who also runs a gym on New Street in, the new facility is officially named “Off The Leash”.
Spanning approximately two acres, the dedicated site will cater to a wide range of canine needs by offering both group social hours for friendly dogs to interact and private bookings.
The private slots are designed to provide a secure environment specifically suited for reactive dogs or restricted breeds.
The venue will initially operate three days a week, opening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to 8pm.
Updates and further information are available on the “Off The Leash” Instagram and Facebook pages.
Bookings for both social hours and private slots can be made through social media or directly via phone/WhatsApp on 087 4051335.
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