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Dublin legend Jim Gavin supports local author

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By Sean Moriarty

 

A Killarney man said he was “gobsmacked” to receive a hand-written card from former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin who read his book while on holiday in Dingle.

 

Paddy Osborne, who is also a Dubliner, but is living in Killarney for years, published ‘Baxter’s Boys’ in February of this year.

Based in the north inner city of Dublin, where Paddy grew up, the story traces the lives of a football team as they bond and share life experiences during a previously unheard of run of success for their small soccer squad.

Gavin, who famously led Dublin to five All-Ireland football titles in a row, including defeating Kerry twice, was pictured reading ‘Baxter’s Boys’ in his Dingle holiday home last week.

Gavin is from the Clondalkin area of Dublin, a suburb that faces similar social issues that Osborne covers in his dark comedy.

He won an All-Ireland football medal with Dublin in 1995 but honed his skills as a youngster while participating in the street leagues of Clondalkin and this is another cultural issue that Osborne touches on in his book.

Gavin was so impressed with the local author’s book he took the time to send the Woodlawn man a handwritten card, wishing Paddy the best of luck and closed it with the message ‘Baile Átha Cliath and Ciarraí Abu’.

“I was gobsmacked and delighted to get the photo and card sent to me,” Paddy told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have followed Jim Gavin’s career all my life. I was in Croke Park in 1995 when Dublin won the All-Ireland but I have never seen a photo of Jim relaxing or any sort of snapshot of his private life. He is always seen roaring on a sideline.”

‘Baxter’s Boys’ is available locally in Eason, Main St. The book was well-received at its launch in February with many referring to Osborne as Killarney’s answer to Roddy Doyle.

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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