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Residents “not safe” after COVID outbreak at Killarney Direct Provision Centre

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By Sean Moriarty and Michelle Crean

 

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Atlas House Direct Provision Centre on Park Road is a result of the Government’s lack of action, Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) claimed this week.

Earlier this week 25 residents of Atlas House tested positive for the virus. They have since been transferred to specialist isolation units in Cork and Dublin.

MASI say that they have been warning the Government since last April that Direct Provision Centres are "not safe" as residents cannot properly social-distance in such facilities.

The group say that they are concerned at the ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 in Direct Provision Centres where people are unable to observe all the public health guidelines due to the sharing of intimate living spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, canteens, and other facilities with strangers.

At the start of the pandemic, MASI called on the Department of Justice to provide single rooms for single asylum seekers and self-contained units for families. The department, they say, rejected this call and insisted that people keep sharing bedrooms and communal bathrooms.

The prolonged lockdown has also had a negative impact on asylum seekers, particularly children in Direct Provision who are terrified of communal spaces and have had to spend a lot of time in bedrooms.

A MASI spokesperson, who is also coordinating the group of affected Killarney residents, said as many as three people are sharing rooms in Atlas House.

“They are sharing rooms with strangers,” Lucky Khambule, a South African former asylum seeker and co-founder of MASI, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I have been in contact with the residents of Atlas House,” he added. “They are very scared. There are people dying from this and once you test positive you have no idea how your body will react. That is why they are scared. There is continuous over-crowding in these places, they share wash and cooking facilities, it is the exact opposite to what is happening outside. We warned, last April, that this would happen. Everything has been done wrong but our cries are not taken seriously.”

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth this week said in a statement issued to the Killarney Advertiser that it does not comment on specific COVID-19 cases or outbreaks.

“The health and well-being of all residents during the pandemic remains the highest priority for this Department. To that end a wide range of measures have been put in place across the accommodation network to address any COVID-19 related issues should they arise. These measures were implemented in collaboration with the HSE and informed by regional public health officials and infection control teams. Where off-site isolation is deemed necessary, a resident is moved to the off-site facility and supported while there. The Department will continue to work with the HSE and the Department of Health in the best interests of all residents whilst we remain in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic.”

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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