News
Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’
Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’
Down Syndrome Kerry has issued an appeal to participants of this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the organisation as their official charity partner under the campaign slogan "Pedal with a Purpose – Cycle for Our Future."
As one of the main beneficiaries of the annual cycling event, the voluntary organisation relies on the fundraiser to sustain and expand its essential services for children, teenagers, and adults with Down syndrome across the county.
Funds generated from the cycle directly support early childhood to adulthood resources, including educational initiatives, speech and language therapy, social and recreational programmes, life skills development, advocacy, and direct family support systems.
Down Syndrome Kerry Chairperson John O’Connor highlighted the local impact of the fundraising partnership.
"The Ring of Kerry Cycle is hugely important for Down Syndrome Kerry and has been a huge help in expanding our services," O'Connor said. "Through the assistance of the Ring of Kerry Cycle, we have been able to provide vital speech and language therapy to our members close to home in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Dingle, and Cahersiveen. Their support also helps us provide greater employment training and opportunities for our members. If you haven’t already signed up for Down Syndrome Kerry for this year's Ring of Kerry Cycle, do so and help us provide our members and their families with the support they need for a better life."
The demand for these local services continues to grow across the region, making community-led fundraising critical for the group's operations.
Denis Cronin, a parent and committee member of the organisation, spoke about the long-standing connection to the event.
"Down Syndrome Kerry have a long association with the Ring of Kerry Cycle, going back nearly 30 years," Cronin said. "It's always a fabulous day out, organisation is first class, food stops and volunteers are fantastic, but from a cyclist viewpoint, most importantly, all money raised goes to charity."
Cyclists and supporters looking to back the campaign or select their charity partner can access registration details through the official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle channels.
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape
The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.
Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires
It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.
Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.
Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’
Down Syndrome Kerry appeals to Ring of Kerry cyclists to ‘Pedal with a Purpose’ Down Syndrome Kerry has issued an...
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the...
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires It marks the end of an era for local dentistry...
Medal and bursary revealed as Hugh O’Flaherty Award returns
The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society has officially revealed the Humanitarian Medal and a €3,000 bursary that will be presented to...
Beaufort Golf Club to host first Kerry Mental Health Association Golf Classic
Beaufort Golf Club to host first Kerry Mental Health Association Golf Classic Kerry Mental Health Association has announced details of...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
