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‘Incredible’ response to fundraising campaign for injured Killarney teen

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AN IMPRESSIVE €118,574 has been raised in support of a Killarney teenager seriously injured in a cycling accident and his family.

The Ian O’Connell Benefit Fund was organised by Spa GAA Club and numerous other sporting and voluntary organisations, including anglers and golfers, on both sides of the Kerry/Cork border, also became actively involved.

Ian, aged 16, of Pinewood Estate, Killarney, suffered damage to his neck and spine after falling from his bike in the Muckross area of Killarney National Park, on August 16 last. He is currently being treated in Dublin’s Mater Hospital.

The St Brendan’s College student is a juvenile footballer with Spa GAA club, a hurler with Dr Crokes and also plays with Killarney Celtic soccer club.

Chairman of the Spa fund-raising committee James Gleeson said "something amazing" had happened in recent weeks and the amount raised had surpassed all expectations.

"Starting out, we thought around €20,000 might be collected, but the way the campaign took off was incredible," he said.

"It showed the extraordinary level of respect for Ian and his family. It also showed how effective the GAA network is and the feeling of goodwill on both sides of the Blackwater. Many other organisations and schools also became involved. It was truly staggering."

Speaking at a function in the Spa club, Mr Gleeson thanked all who supported the fund and the media and also said there had been significant anonymous donations.

Most of the money was collected through a special lotto fundraiser by the Spa club. Funds have been transferred to a trust fund to be administered by three trustees on behalf of the club.

Ian’s father, Mike, a driver with Leane’s Tool Hire, Killarney, is a native of Boherbue, Co Cork, and Boherbue GAA club also organised a special lotto.

Thanking everybody for their support, Mike said Ian is in good form and is in regular contact with his peers.

Funds are continuing to come in and a bank account has been set up at AIB, Main Street, Killarney:
Account Name: Ian O'Connell Fund
Account Number: 64056025
Sort Code: 936332
BIC: AIBKIE2D
IBAN: IE24AIBK93633264056025
 


 
Above: Spa GAA Club secretary Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy, chairman Gerard Mangan and fundraiser chairman Jim Gleeson present the Ian O’Connell Trust Fund cheque to Michael O’Connell in the clubhouse.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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