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“Infection and fatality rates begins to fall in France” – says Killarney woman

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LOCKDOWN IN FRANCE: Killarney woman Edith Lucey is currently in lockdown in the South of France.

 

By Michelle Crean

One Killarney woman, who is currently living in the South of France, says people have been officially confined at home – possibly until the end of May.

Edith Lucey from Muckross, who is currently living just outside Marseilles, says official lockdown in the country began on March 17.

People are allowed to leave their homes for one hour each day, but if they do, they must bring a signed document stating where they are going, why and when.

“For weeks now people have been clapping in support of healthcare workers at 8pm from their windows, but that clap is getting more fatigued as the time rolls on,” Edith, who attended Loughquittane NS and Presentation Secondary, told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

Last week numbers were continually rising causing concern in the country, Edith explained.

“People are understandably agitated and demoralised. A recent tally counted 509 deaths in 24 hours. Italy’s own harrowing statistics may have warned us, but now that it is happening here it is still difficult to grasp.”

She explained that the response in France, which seemed painfully slow to live through at first, has been swift and sweeping.

“Public places were shut, the lockdown measures were installed, and the social security system was launched into overdrive to cover a nation’s bills and wages. The President made two speeches within four days to stress the gravity of what was happening and to clarify how France would change in the following weeks.”

Edith, who teaches at the University of Aix-Marseille, found herself working from home as everyone in Ireland continued on as normal, with many here in Kerry asking her what life was like.

“Everything has been moved online, continuing as normally as possible and in a way that only the French can; exchanging emails about solidarity and fraternity.”

Where she lives is around two hours from Italy and three hours from Spain.

“Along the Mediterranean you grow accustomed to a certain bustle of jam-packed terraces all year round. We have moved from popping to the shops and giving a kiss on the cheek to someone we know to nodding two meters away. It can be a tough feeling to know you can’t step outside your front door without a legal document, but it is a small ask to stop this virus from spreading."

However, this week she added that numbers of confirmed cases are thankfully beginning to fall and hopefully everything will get back to normal in the very near future.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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