Gleneagle performance of The Gaza Monologues raises over €4,500

A collaborative performance of The Gaza Monologues at the Gleneagle Hotel raised €4,677 to assist displaced families and medical aid operations in Gaza.

The funds were distributed between ten displaced Palestinian families via mutual aid groups and the charity Children Not Numbers, which provides medical and emotional support to vulnerable children in the region.
The production opened with local resident Mohammed Anabtawi reading a child’s account from Gaza. Performers from Killarney and West Cork presented songs of solidarity alongside monologues describing life in the region.
The finale featured musician Martin Leahy performing We Remember, accompanied by director Nasser Al-Swirki listing traditional towns and villages across Palestine.
Following the performance, Sally MacMonagle chaired a panel discussion featuring Al-Swirki and humanitarian Caoimhe Butterly, who discussed their experiences in Gaza and ways the public can support relief efforts.
Organisers Killarney for Palestine and West Cork for Palestine confirmed they are making the production available to theatre companies and solidarity groups across Ireland.
Killarney for Palestine continues to hold a monthly public vigil outside Killarney Courthouse on the final Sunday of each month. Further information on the beneficiary charity is available at childrennotnumbers.org.

Holy Cross Day Care Centre launches appeal to fund facility expansion

The board of directors at Holy Cross Day Care Centre on Rock Road has launched a major fundraising campaign aimed at expanding services and upgrading facilities for older people across Killarney and surrounding areas.

Operating Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm for nearly 25 years, the centre provides companionship, hot meals, structured activities, and professional support to help clients remain living independently in their own homes.
With local demand continuing to rise, management is appealing to businesses, community partners, and residents to help fund critical capital upgrades. Planned improvements include a new wheelchair-accessible minibus, upgraded bathroom facilities, a dedicated storage unit, and specialised medical ceiling hoists.
Speaking on behalf of the board of management, Sheila Dickson said that the centre serves as a lifeline for both attendees and their families.
“Our centre has been providing a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for nearly 25 years,” Dickson said. “It is where our clients can enjoy companionship, nutritious meals, meaningful activities, and the care and support from qualified staff that helps them remain active, independent, and connected. For many of our clients, the centre is much more than a place to spend the day, it is a lifeline that reduces loneliness, improves quality of life, and supports the client to remain in their own homes.”
Management highlighted that corporate donations of €250 or more to the registered charity qualify for tax deductions, with all contributions publicly acknowledged.

New minibus to expand rural reach

A central priority of the expansion project is the acquisition of an additional 16-seater wheelchair-accessible Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
Having already secured €93,000 toward the vehicle, the centre is seeking to clear a remaining €24,000 shortfall to complete the purchase.
The vehicle is central to management’s plans to widen access for clients living inside and outside the town centre. Appropriate transport remains a barrier preventing older residents in Killarney and the surrounding areas from accessing daily care, hot meals, and social contact.
Replacing and expanding the transport fleet will enable Holy Cross to establish new collection routes across local rural communities, bringing isolated residents directly to the Rock Road facility.

Capital upgrade funding targets

16-Seater Minibus: €24,000 shortfall (Total cost partially funded via €93,000 raised)
Bathroom Upgrades: €30,000
Storage Unit: €8,600
Ceiling Hoist: €2,111.48 (plus VAT)