Connect with us

News

Couple dash to Ukraine to meet newborn son

Published

on

0221470_NINTCHDBPICT000712242979.jpg

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.

Advertisement

News

Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

Published

on

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

Continue Reading

News

Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

Published

on

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport