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Festive fundraiser for Ian O’Connell

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FUNDRAISER: From right: Eric McDonnell (owner), Ian O'Connell, Josie McDonnell (owner) and Micheal O'Shea (coach at Belief Boutique Gym).

 

By Sean Moriarty

EXCLUSIVE

A unique festive fundraiser in aid of the Ian O’Connell Trust saw 50 members of the Belief Boutique Gym travel the equivalent of four times the Ring of Kerry – indoors – last Saturday.

 

Each Christmas the popular town centre gym organises a fundraiser for local charities and this year’s chosen benefactor is in aid of the inspirational Killarney teenager who is confined to a wheelchair following a mountain biking accident two years ago.

 

Members of the gym took turns – two to three minute stints – on rowing machines, static bikes and skiing machines. During the course of the day an estimated 50 members completed a distance that was equal to going around the Ring of Kerry four times or a total of nearly 720kms.

 

“Two years on from my accident and they are still people fundraising!” Ian told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am so grateful for the efforts of these people. I called in for about two hours, it was great craic and plenty of music too.”

 

Co-owner Josie O’Shea was delighted with the turnout on the day.

“The goal was to complete the Ring Of Kerry four times in under three hours. This was achieved in 2hrs 40mins,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “We had a great turnout of local Killarney people and members. Local businesses sponsored prizes, there was a DJ and festive treats from The Shire. Ian and his family also came in for the event and it was great to have him there.”

The gym has set a target of €2,000 and their efforts, so far, exceeded that target by €100  with more donations expected to come in.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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