News
“Innisfallen team helped us to feel the beauty of life again”
Last week marked a full year since 150 displaced Ukrainian refugees set up a temporary home in the Innisfallen Hotel away from the atrocities of war.
GRATITUDE: Thank you notes written by the Ukrainians to show their appreciation for the accommodation and assistance since they arrived to Killarney.
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GRATITUDE: Thank you notes written by the Ukrainians to show their appreciation for the accommodation and assistance since they arrived to Killarney.
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A year on, they are settled and say that the hospitality they've received helped them to "feel the beauty of life again".
This week they said that good friendly relations developed between the hotel team and the Ukrainians and have offered their gratitude to the Innisfallen Hotel team for their kind hospitality in Fossa.
Jane Omelchenko and Alevtyna Rutto edited a touching video about Ukrainians staying there, ordered a cake for the hotel team and hosted a thank you party.
“Our journey through Ireland actually started 22 of March 2022 to the Innisfallen Hotel in Fossa, Killarney. I will never forget this address because it has literally become our second home. We are treated here like the tourists, but we're feeling here like a family. I'm sure none of us could ever imagine we'll end up here, 3,331km from our homeland. We've experienced here a lot of memorable moments: birthdays, celebrations, children laughing - all that we had almost lost because of the war. But Innisfallen team helped us to feel the beauty of life again. You gave us hope and continue to do it every day with your smiles, support and kindness. Dear Misja Herfurt, George Saaray, Maeve O’Connell, Sheila Casey, Eilis, Patrick, Margaurette, Ivona, Katarzyna, Joan, Roderick and all team, we hope one day we will have a chance to repay you for everything you have given us. When Ukraine will win, you're welcome to come. And be sure, now, you have a host in almost every city in Ukraine,” Alevtyna Rutto said.
"We held a thank you evening for the hotel staff to tell them that we appreciate and notice everything they do for us. When we went to Ireland a year ago, we were prepared to live in tents. People were scared, they took as many warm things as they could but we were given real housing; great accommodation with great staff. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, dear Innisfallen family!" Jane Omelchenko added.
"For a year now, every day we feel that Innisfallen is a place of comfort, as if you have come to visit close friends or relatives. Every day the staff greets us warmly. I am very grateful to the entire team, led by George,
for their attention, kindness and love for us! These are professionals in their field! And above all, these are people with a big heart!" Yaroslava Shkurko added.
Veronica Oliynikova concluded that from the first day of their stay at the hotel, the staff did not stop supporting them and provided assistance in every possible way.
"It is difficult to imagine a friendlier, hospitable, kind team than the staff of the Innisfallen Hotel. I can't express how grateful we all are to them!”
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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