News
Cuts to disability grants affecting Killarney families
By Sean Moriarty
A Woodlawn man, who is the father of a girl with severe disabilities in dire need of essential equipment, has raised huge concerns over cuts to the Housing Adaptation Grants.
Last month the Government announced that Kerry County Council is to receive €2.4 million in funding under the scheme.
The grant helps families of those with special needs including the elderly and those with disabilities.
Steve O’Mahony’s daughter Alexis (5) suffers from PDH deficiency and requires round-the-clock care.
However, ceiling track hoists - which will help the daily burden of lifting their growing daughter from her bed to the bath and aid with movement in the home - have been removed from the scheme.
He said last month’s announcement sounded great until the finer details were examined.
“The devil is in the detail,” Steve told the Killarney Advertiser.
He pointed out that he was not just speaking on behalf of his own family and their needs but was raising concerns for several Kerry families who could be affected by the new rules.
“Of course it all sounds rosy but some hidden details are missing,” he added.
“Essential ceiling track hoists have been removed as a qualifying item for mobility aids. Families like my own do not want these hoists out of choice, it is a basic necessity and everyday that this drags on is another day of physical stress through the constant moving, washing etc of someone with a disability. There also exists a daily danger of serious injury to both the patient and carers and support nurses which of course breaches multiple health and safety guidelines of which the HSE and their staff operate within themselves."
He said that in many situations "they are putting their own staff under unnecessary risk and breaching many health and safety standards because of this ongoing issue".
"My own wife currently attends a public physio on a weekly basis because of back issues which seems counter productive. The taxpayer is paying for her physio which would not have been needed if she had sufficient equipment for my daughter's needs!"
The issue was raised in the Dáil this week after Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, met the O’Mahony family in Tralee recently.
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
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