News
“COVID is still causing charities to suffer”
MS South Kerry launch '100k in May' fundraiser
By Michelle Crean
COVID restrictions meant a tough few years for a lot of charities but with fundraising back to in-person events one in particular is seeking your support.
For a second year running the MS South Kerry branch is holding its '100k in May' to help raise funds for local services for members suffering from the condition.
"Last year's donations kept us going for the second half of 2021, we raised nearly €8,000," Jillian Jones from the MS South Kerry branch, told the Killarney Advertiser.
"It came to life from a conversation with Éilís Flemming, a supporter of the branch. COVID is still causing charities to suffer across the country and this is the year we feel the branch will be really affected as our current finances only allow us to plan for the first six months of 2022."
During the pandemic members were able to keep active as physio and exercise classes were transferred online with a 400% increase in attendance.
"We will continue to do this as the response has been great as we can't open our centre due to the limited spaces and cost of rent, which fortunately we haven't had to pay since the start of COVID. We now have seven therapists working for the branch across South Kerry based in Cahersiveen, Cromane, Killarney and Kenmare. Fortunately due to some of the needs of our members they are receiving house calls."
In the early '70s MS Kerry was set up, then in 1978-79 it divided into three branches; MS South Kerry, MS Tralee, and the MS Society Listowel/North Kerry.
"In the South Kerry branch we have about one hundred plus members, a variety of ages from mid-20s to 80.
There are more in the area but have not reached out yet. The members greatly miss meeting up. These group meetings are valuable as it's hard to talk to family and friends as the same level of understanding is not there."
In recent weeks the branch has been able to start their church gate collections again but they are significantly down on 2019, she added.
"We are struggling to have enough collectors for the church gates and other planned fundraisers. If anybody is able for forthcoming events please contact us mssouthkerry@gmail.com. We are hoping to have the Busking August Bank Holiday and the Old Kenmare Walk in October."
To support the branch go to GoFundMe: '100k-in-may-2022' and make a donation.
For those who may need support the Community Welfare Officer is Siobhan Lynch based in Killarney.
You can also contact the MS Society, Southern Regional Office, North Quay House, Pope’s Quay, Cork
Phone 021 4300001, email: southern@ms-society.ie or ring the MS Information Line on 1850 233 233.
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
Kilcummin parish celebrates milestone wedding anniversaries
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone...
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of...
Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting!
Kilcummin Men’s Shed goes jaunting! Three jaunting cars, a gang of Kilcummin characters, two unsuspecting Americans and a few amorous...
New Dutch flights to connect Groningen and Kerry Airport
New Dutch flights to connect Groningen and Kerry Airport Tourism across Kerry is set for a boost following the announcement...
Eoin Cashman named Kerry’s sole Naughton Scholar
Eoin Cashman named Kerry’s sole Naughton Scholar Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luacha student Eoin Cashman has been honoured as County Kerry’s...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
