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Family says ‘thank you’ after loss of beloved David

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Two benefit from kidney donation

BY MICHELLE CREAN

A Killarney family are finding comfort after the death of their loved one as they took the decision to donate two of his organs to help others have a better quality of life.
The family of 25-year-old David Sheehy, who was a former student in St Brendan’s College, Killarney, say they are still devastated and saddened at his sudden passing in Australia on December 22.
However, this week they want to say a public thank you to everyone who helped during what was the most difficult time in their lives.
David’s mom Eileen Fitzgerald from Rockfield, Faha, said that the Fitzgerald and Sheehy families together would like to thank everyone for their support, sympathy and kindness on the recent loss of their beloved David.
They would also like to thank everyone who donated so generously to the GoFundMe page which received a total of €37,145, a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs
to bring David home to his final resting place.
Excess funds were donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
David had travelled to Australia in May where he was working as a carpenter.
Two of his kidneys were donated to two people in Australia giving them an improved quality of life, Eileen, who received a letter from NSW Organ Donation and Tissue Donation Service recently, told the Killarney advertiser this week.
“David’s kidneys were donated to help two people,” she said.
“I didn’t hesitate about organ donation because I thought why not if you can. What’s the point of taking them with you. Organ donation is crucial. There are two families in Australia that will have a better future because of it.”
She said getting the phone call on Friday, December 14, was a complete nightmare, but thanks to family, neighbours and friends and TD Michael Healy-Rae, she was able to get a flight to Australia almost immediately.
“The family support has been enormous and the help from Michael Healy-Rae who sorted getting the visa to get me to Australia. My niece Ciara de Mordha travelled out with me and was my right and my left hand for the week we were there. I just want to thank David’s friends Padraig O’Leary from Gneeveguilla – he picked up us at the airport in Australia, sorted out our accommodation and both he and his girlfriend Shelly O’Connor stayed with us the whole week. David’s school friend Dan O’Sullivan from Knockeragh, Killarney, who lives in Melbourne, travelled to Sydney also. Kay Cronin from Kilcummin set up the GoFundMe page. And my partner Brendan, his brother Donal and wife Marie who live in Australia, were just brilliant.
“You’d never imagine you’d be in a situation like that,” she said. “The support has been massive including the one-to-one care David received in the hospital.”
Remembering David, who has a younger sister Ellen (9) and brother Breandán (8), she added that he was a good son who will be dearly missed.
“He was full of life and full of fun. He was not a saint by any means - but we miss him terribly and his death has left a huge void in our lives forever.”
Months Mind Mass for David takes place on Friday, February 15, in the Sacred Heart Church, Milltown, at 7pm. And all are welcome, she added.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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