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Healy-Rae: Drink-driving bill will cause “isolation and loneliness”

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Kilgarvan TD Danny Healy-Rae has voiced his “disappointment” following the passing of a bill that will see an automatic disqualification for drivers on their first offence of driving while over the permitted 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The law currently states that a person with a full license who is caught driving with an alcohol level between 50mg and 80mg is liable to get three penalty points on their license and a €200 fine.

Healy-Rae also criticised Fianna Fáil for abstaining from Minister Shane Ross’ drink-driving bill, which was passed by a majority of 85 votes to eight in the Dáil.

In a statement, Healy-Rae condemned Fianna Fáil for removing themselves from the vote.

“I was amazed that the Fianna Fáil TD's abstained on the instruction of their leadership,” he said. “This will cause further isolation and loneliness to so many people in rural parts of Kerry, where we don't have access to public transport, i.e. Dart, Luas, buses, trains or even taxis.”

“There is no difference now between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. They seem to be more interested in the Dublin vote.”

He went on to thank Michael Collins, Clare Daly, Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael Lowry, Mattie McGrath and Mick Wallace who also opposed the new legislation. Meanwhile, Minister Ross was left red-faced when he mistakenly voted against his own bill before quickly acknowledging his mistake.

Healy-Rae has courted controversy with his outspoken views on this issue in the past, famously claiming that eating a big meal and getting behind the wheel of a car is as dangerous as drink-driving.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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