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Ian helps launch Puck Fair 2018

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With just over a month to go before Ireland’s oldest festival kicks off for another year, the Puck Fair committee officially launched the 2018 programme during an exciting event that was held at Sheahan’s Bar last Saturday at 8pm. This year’s event was particularly special not only for the Killorglin community but also for the county as a whole, as a well-known and inspirational young Kerry man was on hand to officially launch the age-old event.

Fresh from a recent appearance on The Late Late Show during which he spoke with admirable positivity about his continuing recovery following last year’s cycling tragedy that left him paralysed from the neck down, Ian O’Connell from Killarney took time from his schedule to launch Puck Fair 2018, beginning the celebrations with the enthusiasm he is known for. His inspiring motto, “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” even attracted the attention of his idol Conor McGregor, who paid tribute to the determined teen on Instagram.

Another VIP in attendance on the night was none other than King Puck himself, who this year made an early appearance in a very unique form. Looking bigger and brighter than ever (in spite of his 400+ years), King Puck now reigns permanently over the town of Killorglin thanks to the creativity and vision of artist Dan Leo, who painted a mural of the famous folklore figure on the wall of the CYMS Hall in the town centre.

Speaking ahead of the event, Declan Mangan, President of the Puck Fair committee, said: “It’s an exciting time to host the launch of Puck Fair, with the fabulous mural adding new vibrancy to the town. We’re also delighted to welcome Ian O’Connell this year as our special guest. This inspirational young man represents exactly what Puck Fair is all about; individuality, a strong sense of identity and most importantly, resilience. We may be another year older, but Puck Fair continues to keep us young at heart!”

While King Puck is currently the focus of attention in the town centre, his spotlight will soon be stolen by another very famous figure, who is gearing up to take to the stage as the eagerly-awaited headline act of Puck Fair 2018. Singer Jake Carter, the reigning champion of RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars and brother of the equally famous Nathan Carter, will perform on the main festival stage on Sunday, August 12, bringing the festival to a stylish and energetic close.

This year’s festival will also feature live music from The Swing Cats (Friday, August 10) and The Cosmic Funk Band (Saturday, August 11), as well as acrobatics from Wobbly Circus Street Show; puppet shows by Kidspartyclub Kerry; children’s entertainment provided by Kingdom Party Pals; Fancy Dress and Bonny Baby Competitions; performances by Afro Trad Ireland and much more. The opening day of Puck Fair on Friday, August 10 will be marked with the annual Coronation Parade and Ceremony, while the Dethronement festivities and subsequent fireworks on the final day of the festival (Sunday, August 12) will provide the perfect ending to Ireland’s most famous yearly event.

For pictures and live updates, check out facebook.com/puckfair or twitter @puck_fair and visit YouTube to view puckfairofficial videos.

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Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

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Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

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Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates […]

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Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates of bystander CPR worldwide.

The main event, titled RAH 2025, invites the public to learn life-saving skills and the basic steps in the chain of survival. This will take place on Saturday, October 18, at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Members of the public are encouraged to join KCRU at the centre between 10:00 am and 5pm.
Key feature of the day will be the CPR Competition, offering “fantastic prizes to be won.”
For further information, visit www.killarneycru.ie/rah25

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