HeartBeat Killarney Kerry Cardiac Support Group hosted a special Men’s Health Night on Tuesday at the Parish Centre on Park Road.

The event focused on encouraging men aged 30 to 60 to prioritize their heart health, as statistics show one in five heart attacks in men occur before age 50.

The highlight of the evening was a personal account from former Senior Kerry footballer and RocheFit gym owner Darragh Roche.

The Glenflesk player detailed his experience of suffering a heart attack last year at just 29 years old.

Despite his healthy lifestyle as a fitness instructor and athlete with no family history of heart issues, Roche described experiencing a “squeezing sensation” in his chest that spread down his left arm while sitting at home.

Following an emergency ambulance transfer and medical intervention, he made a successful recovery and returned to the football pitch just nine weeks later.

Dr Rosemary Kelliher and Dr Danielle O’Leary from GP Care Killarney were also on hand to discuss the importance of prevention and heart health maintenance.

The night began with free blood pressure and pulse checks provided by HeartBeat nurses, followed by a Q&A session where attendees could address specific concerns with the medical professionals.

St Oliver’s National School in Killarney is set for a significant expansion following its inclusion in the first phase of the National Development Plan school building program for 2026

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The project, funded under the Additional Accommodation Scheme, will allow the school to provide 42 additional student places. The planned extension focuses heavily on inclusive education, delivering three Special Educational Needs rooms and seven Special Education Teacher rooms. These new facilities are designed to ensure that pupils with additional requirements can access necessary supports within their own school community.
The investment in St. Oliver’s is part of a wider rollout of 105 projects nationwide scheduled to move to tender or construction over the next two years. The government’s strategy for this phase of the National Development Plan prioritizes increasing capacity for Special Educational Needs provision in existing schools.
Two other Kerry schools were also included in this initial funding tranche. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare will receive an extension featuring two Special Educational Needs rooms and three specialist rooms, while Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel is approved for four new Special Educational Needs classrooms.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill welcomed the news, stating the projects will make a real difference for families and staff in the county.