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COVID vaccine is “a relief” says Killarney paramedic

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RELIEF; Nurse Sadie Evans gives the COVID-19 vaccine to Advance Paramedic Ken O'Sullivan from Killarney at University Hospital Kerry on Tuesday. Photo: Don MacMonagle

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By Michelle Crean

Advanced Paramedic and Killarney man Ken O'Sullivan was one of the first frontline staff in Kerry to receive the first dose of the new COVID vaccine in University Hospital Kerry on Tuesday.

Nurse Sadie Evans administered the vaccine which was a relief to Ken who is living in Woodlawn and originally from St Anne's Road.

Working 20 years as a paramedic - this has been the hardest year he has ever experienced, with each call out a potential risk of contracting COVID which he feared he could pass on to his wife Margaret and three young daughters.

"It's been a very long year in a way, but with the vaccines now it's something new," Ken, who said he felt no side effects afterwards, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"You feel like you're turning a corner. I had my mind made up that I was going to take it, especially when you see COVID damage and its effects afterwards. At the moment it looks like it's our only way out of this, but until you get the full vaccine you have to be careful."

Ken and a team of health care workers set up the first COVID testing centre in Kerry, which was later handed over to Public Health.

And, although their role is right on the frontline whether COVID related or not, he added that ambulance crew across the county have been very lucky throughout the pandemic.

"No member of the ambulance service in Kerry have tested positive for COVID thankfully."

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Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

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The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

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A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

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Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

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