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Farranfore midwife hero of Luton Airport birth

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A Farranfore midwife played a crucial role in delivering a baby at Luton Airport recently.

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By Sean Moriarty

Michelle Skehan was returning from a family trip in London to Kerry Airport when a mother went into to labour in the airport’s departure lounge.

Michelle is the daughter of Mike and Margaret Moriarty of Central Car Sales in the village.

The whole family were in London for a family birthday party and were returning to Kerry Airport when the drama unfolded at Luton.

London Luton Airport staff worked together to provide the warmest of welcomes to a very special ‘airport arrival’, after a pregnant passenger went into labour in the airport departure lounge.
Rushing to the scene, members of the LLA Guest Experience, Security and Fire Service teams moved quickly to make the passenger comfortable and organise privacy screens, before delivering the baby in the departure lounge.

Further support was provided to the LLA team by passenger Michelle, a midwife, who was waiting to board a flight to Kerry.

Michelle was full of praise for the LLA team’s response: “I was pleased to assist in her delivery but a huge amount of credit is due to the staff in the airport. They were so calm and helped maintain the woman's privacy. The teamwork that I witnessed in the ‘delivery room’ was phenomenal and everyone should be so proud of themselves. It's definitely a birth I will always remember. One that I will surely be retelling for years to come!”

Following the birth, the LLA Guest Experience team ensured Michelle made it on to her flight just minutes later.

Melanie Horwood, Guest Experience Manager at LLA, led the team’s effort to successfully deliver the baby, following advice provided by Megan Bryne, a call handler with the East of England Ambulance Service. The two were brought together at a ceremony held at the airport to honour those involved.

Melanie, who has worked at LLA for 37 years said: “When I arrived, I could see that the lady was in full labour so we moved quickly to bring in screens and contact the ambulance service who advised me exactly what to do. We were delighted to deliver a beautiful baby girl and there was a feeling of complete elation afterwards as a huge round of applause broke out across the departure lounge for all the LLA staff involved. It just felt wonderful and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

Neil Thompson, Operations Director at London Luton Airport, added: “A huge well done to everyone from the LLA team who used all their experience and professionalism to remain calm and provide amazing support to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. Our teams work hard to deliver a simple and friendly passenger experience each day and are always prepared for a wide range of incidents to occur within a busy airport environment. We are immensely proud of the truly exceptional way the team pulled together and we are delighted to say that both mother and baby are doing well.”

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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