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Healy-Raes join Killarney Advertiser McShain Campaign
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The Healy-Raes have thrown their considerable political weight behind Killarney Advertiser’s ongoing McShain Campaign with Maura, Danny and Michael all coming together at Killarney House this week to show their collective support.
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser yesterday, Maura agreed that John and Mary McShain should be honoured for their contributions to the town. She also confirmed that she intends to raise the issue at the next Killarney Municipal District meeting in September.
“I’ll be asking Kerry County Council to liaise with the relevant agencies with the intention of honouring the McShains in a meaningful way given their most generous contribution to Killarney and, indeed, Kerry,” she said. “I will be seeking the support of other members.”
Our campaign to recognise the philanthropic American couple, who came to own a large part of Killarney National Park before giving it back to the State for virtually nothing, has gained considerable momentum since the idea was first floated by Kilalrney Advertiser's resident historian Damien Switzer earlier this summer. The reaction locally has been overwhelmingly positive with many Killarney people left scratching their heads as to why the former owners of Killarney House haven’t been honoured in the years since their death. John died in 1989 and Mary died nine years later in 1998.
When asked if they would prefer to see busts/statues erected or Killarney House & Gardens renamed ‘McShain Memorial Park’, 81% of our readers voted in favour of the latter. This may prove difficult, however, with General Manager of Killarney House & Gardens Pat Dawson saying that such a move is “unlikely to be a runner”.
For her part, Cllr Healy-Rae said she was “surprised” that people wanted to change the name but added that she would be supportive of renaming the park if it was the best option.
“There are many ways they could be honoured,” she said. “A monument, a bust, possibly renaming Killarney House & Gardens… I think it’s important to suggest all options and then hopefully come to the most realistic, appropriate and satisfactory one.”
She added that she is optimistic of making this a reality. “I don’t think anyone could be opposed to this justifiably. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, meanwhile, stated he would be in favour of erecting monuments to the McShains inside the Golden Gates. “This would be a proper and rightful testament to their memory and thank them for the massive contribution that they gave to Killarney town,” he said.
Many other prominent officials have also expressed their support for our campaign, including Mayor John Sheahan, Cllr Michael Gleeson, and President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Paul O’Neill.
The Minister for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, also reached out to me this week to confirm that he will speak to officials in the Department of Tourism about the matter.
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Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre launch Ageless roadshow
Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations […]

Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations that will enhance their lives.
The first talk will take place on October 3 at the Ballyspillane Community Resource Centre and will continue thereafter on a regular basis.
Thomas Doyle from SpecSavers will give the first talk and other groups like the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, Family Carers Ireland, the Health and Safety Executive, Heartbeat Killarney, Be Active Be Well and the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland will join at future dates.
“We felt there was a need to bring all the organisations that can give older people the opportunity to come and meet organisations to offer support, services and activities that align with the life they wish to live,” said Sophie Haighway of the Ballyspillane Community Resource.
“The Ageless road show is a combination of organisations to help older people in the community. The groups that have committed to attend are the on alternative months. There will a guest speaker each month,”
The roadshow will be held in Ballyspillane CFRC the first Tuesday of every month from 12.30 pm-2 pm.
Further details from Sophie on 085 7723723.
News
O’Sullivan chases National Rally glory in Clare on Sunday
It is hard to believe that it is four years since the Triton Showers-backed Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship last visited Clare. Between the pandemic and the new event rotation […]

It is hard to believe that it is four years since the Triton Showers-backed Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship last visited Clare.
Between the pandemic and the new event rotation system, the last time the Liam Cleary Autoworld Clare Rally ran was in September 2019.
But it has been well worth the wait as organisers Clare Motor Club have attracted a stellar entry that has both strength and depth.
The Triton Showers National Rally Championship enters the home straight this weekend and all of the title protagonists will be in Ennis for the penultimate round of the eight-round championship.
Leading the fray after six rounds are defending champions, Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty.
The Hyundai i20 Rally2 crew have a 20-point advantage over Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan from Muckross.
However, the Derry/Kerry crew has won the last two rounds in Sligo and Meath and when dropped scores come into play, they have started one less round than Moffett and Moriarty which suggests, mathematically, the advantage is maybe with the Volkswagen Polo Gti crew.
But anything can happen in rallying and it looks certain that the championship will go to the wire at the Fastnet Rally in late October.
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