News
“It’s about helping humanity”

Volunteers organising Ukraine collections overwhelmed by Kerry support
By Michelle Crean
The overwhelming amount of donations pouring in from thousands countywide to help Ukrainian people has left organisers overwhelmed and extremely emotional this week.
Just five days ago Russia declared war on neighbouring country Ukraine leaving millions terrified for their lives, hundreds - including young children - dead, and millions fleeing to nearby countries seeking safe refuge.
A compassionate plea to the people of Kerry was made by Polish people living in Killarney, for practical donations to help those who left Ukraine with just the clothes on their backs, and donations are pouring in across different drop off points in Kerry including Killarney.
Practical items such as blankets, sleeping bags, camping mats, towels, shampoos, soap, shower gels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary towels, wet wipes, Pampers, toilet paper, dry food including rice, pasta, tinned fish, meat and vegetables, baby food, chocolate, tea, coffee, and sugar can be donated to the Killarney Methodist Church, Countess Road between 12 and 5pm this Saturday.
Konrad Paprocki, Iza Dian, Diana Sobas Gorka say the response so far “has been incredible”.
It's hoped that once sorted and packed up the goods will be moved to a local warehouse and ready for trucks to deliver to Warsaw in Poland early next week, ready to then be distributed along the Ukraine border.
“We just came up with an idea to help, it’s not political, it’s humanitarian. We were never prepared for the support we got,” Konrad told the Killarney Advertiser.
“I want to assure anyone I can that I will do everything within my power to get them [items donated] to Poland. We’re cooperating with the Polish Red Cross. The Irish Red Cross is separate and they are collecting money. We won’t accept any money.”
For any further items donated in the coming days they are asking that goods be boxed up but not sealed, and they also need donations of tape to seal up the boxes. They are asking also that food stuff be packed separate from medical items.
He added that Poland is very much “united with the world” when it comes to helping Ukraine and that he can’t thank the local people and the businesses enough who have offered so much help over the last few days.
FEAR
Iza fears Russian troops could move into Poland next and says she’s worried for her family.
“Poland could be next and I’m worried for my family. I have a 92-year-old nan. I was talking to my father yesterday who lives on the west side of Poland he said it’s very well organised in the big cities [helping Ukranians] but the amount of people there is shocking to him – but no one is left behind which is amazing.”
And speaking of Putin’s reign of terror, Konrad said what Putin is doing is just evil.
“If someone threatened to use nuclear weapons against the world like he did yesterday (Monday) – he is crazy. We’re doing everything we can to help Ukrainian people. The biggest evil is Putin who started the war himself.”
Further donations can be made this week and can be dropped off locally to:
Killarney Moment Academy, 49 New Street Killarney
The Polish Shop ‘Mroz’, Unit 3 Park Place Killarney,
The Polish Shop ‘Pewex’, Unit 2, Central Point, Park Rd Killarney.
Collections are also being arranged at the reception area of Killarney Garda Station.
Donations can also be dropped this Saturday night at the Scotts Lakers game in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.
Any items which cannot go to Poland will be auctioned on the Facebook page 'Kerry for Ukraine' with funding going to the people of Ukraine or items will be dropped to local charity shops, he added.
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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