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Donie’s niece follows in his talented footsteps

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By Michelle Crean

The wonderful talent of the late Donal Courtney lives on through his beloved niece who has had her short film accepted for its US debut this October.

FILM: Niece of Killarney actor Donie Courtney, Jessica Courtney Leen, has had her film 'Not My Sister' accepted in the Newport Beach Film Festival in LA. Photo: Celeste Burdon

Jessica Courtney Leen's second short film 'Not My Sister' will feature at the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival in California.

The film, shot on location in Cork, sheds a light on the burden of societal expectations and the pressure they have historically put on women. With a nod to the lasting trauma of mother and baby homes in Ireland and the taboo of sex in Irish society in culture, ‘Not My Sister’ captures the story of three women entangled in a web of societal shame and secretive survival.

"Donie was much more than an uncle to me," Jessica, who trained at The Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"He was my teacher and my connection to the arts, my continued professional mentor who taught me everything I know and practice, and a friend who called me every day just to check in. My work will always be because of him."

She added that as an emerging female writer and director she is very passionate about championing stories about women.

"‘Not My Sister’ captures the family triangle of two mothers and two daughters all suppressing their deepest wants and needs," Jessica, daughter of Kathryn and Colm Leen, said.

And actress Gemma Doorly, who played Sarah O'Leary in Fair City for many years, is an incredible actor whose work she says she admired for years.

"I'm lucky to work with her in many capacities, - we're both head drama tutors at the West End School of Arts [on New Street], where we have recently been appointed co-creative directors. We work really well together. She's a very inspiring and creative woman."

And the one woman show Jessica created under Donie's tutoring and mentorship 'Waiting for WiFi' will be playing for three nights this month at the Cork Arts Theatre on September 15, 16 and 17.

"He was a huge fan of the show, it will be a really bittersweet performance."

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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