News
Don’t ignore the signs: Billy’s heartbeat story
Billy O’Sullivan works with Heartbeat Killarney, a voluntary cardiac support group for those with heart disease. It is run by heart patients and carers, and is aimed at helping people to return to a normal life afterwards. Billy is encouraging men to monitor their health by attending regular check-ups. Every week in the month of January, we will share articles from Heartbeat Killarney which will provide more information on how to look after yourself. This week, Billy shares his story with us.
Billy first noticed mobility issues in 1999. While walking, he would plan deliberate stops along his route to make it seem normal, he assumed it was down to being overweight. He said: “I blamed the tightness in my chest to tension and stress. An odd time I would have a tightness in my wrists, but I put that down to lifting things too heavy for me. I muddled along this way for a year or so until I started to get severe indigestion after a bout of tension in my chest.”
Billy went to the pharmacy to obtain medication for his indigestion, and she saw his condition first-hand. The pharmacist advised him to go straight to the doctor. Billy described that moment as a wake-up call.
The pharmacist rang his doctor who saw him immediately, and Billy believes that phone call saved his life. He said: “An ECG was done, an anomaly spotted, and an appointment was booked with a Cardiologist who told me I had blockages in my veins and that an angiogram was needed.”
Billy described his experience with the doctor as very positive, saying he did not feel any anxiety waiting for his appointment. He explained: “I had the Angiogram and was referred to a heart surgeon who told me I needed surgery and would get an appointment in three months. In the meantime, I was to follow his instructions on how to keep my heart safe and got an emergency number to call if needed.”
This happened around the end of November; Billy wanted a family Christmas before his stay in hospital. In early December, he got a phone call asking if he would like his operation earlier due to a cancellation. He accepted it! Billy had his triple heart bypass and was home in time for Christmas.
Heartbeat Killarney is planning a special meeting and clinic on Tuesday, January 27. Billy is inviting men from 30 plus to attend on the night and learn more about how to look after their health.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club...
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
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