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“Gorse fires putting homes at risk” – Assistant Fire Chief

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A Beaufort farmer is concerned that the recent spate of gorse fires in Mid-Kerry could be malicious because farmers would not normally be burning land late at night.

Michael McSweeney, of Glencuttane Upper, Beaufort, discovered a fire on his land in the early hours of Monday morning. Parts of his property including fencing were damaged and he feared for his cattle and newborn calves.

Firefighters from Killarney and Killorglin rushed to the scene in the early hours of Easter Monday morning, and returned later that day as some of the scrubland was still smouldering.

Michael is now calling for more cooperation between neighbouring farmers in an effort to prevent a Donegal style “inferno” after homes in that county were  burned down over the weekend.

He said it would be very unusual for a farmer to be lighting fires so late at night.

“Sheep farmers can’t function with the burning of lands,” he said. “Who would go burning land so late at night? This would be done in daylight when you are more aware of your surroundings. I would like to think that my neighbours would come and see me if they were going burning; it would give me time to move cattle and I would be there to keep an eye if things started to go wrong.  I would expect farmers to notify the fire department too if they are burning lands, so when you look at it this way you come to the conclusion that it might be malicious, but I can’t say that without actually seeing it with my own two eyes.”

A separate fire also resulted in a portion of the Board of Works road near Glencar  being closed for a number of hours on Monday due to dense smoke.

“The Gardai where there and they were concerned that there were a number of cyclists in the area and motorists attempting to drive through the smoke would not see them. Or the motorist would not see the road and we would be dealing with a road traffic accident then,” Michael Flynn, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for the county, said.

On Easter Monday alone, Kerry County Fire Service attended 19 separate incidents, 14 of which were wild fires as well as routine incidents like road traffic accidents and a reported gas leak.

“The thing with these wildfires is that they have an impact on rural communities and put people’s homes at risk. And they are diverting us away from what we really should be doing.”

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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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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