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“It’s life-changing for Joe”

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Killarney mother urges public to think organ donation after son’s life-changing kidney transplant

By Michelle Crean

A young Killarney man with Down Syndrome has had a new lease of life thanks to the gift of kidney last month.

21 year-old Joe Buckley from Faha, son of Noreen and Jack, the former President of Killarney Golf Club, suffered ill health and had to undergo regular kidney dialysis. However, thanks to the kindness of one family, who made the difficult decision to donate a loved one’s kidney, Joe is now back to full health and ready to get back to his regular activities.

Now his mother is speaking out ahead of next week’s Organ Donor Awareness Week, which takes place from March 30 to April 6, and is appealing to the public to ‘Give the Gift of Life’ by becoming an organ donor.

“Joe had his operation on February 12,” Noreen told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday).

“It was life-changing straight away. The big thing is once you receive your kidney it’s life-changing. There’s a difference within 24 hours. The recovery is remarkable.”

She explained how Joe, who attends the Kerry Parents and Friends and is a member of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, had suffered with kidney trouble since the age of 12 and had to undergo dialysis.

She said she received great support from her workplace in the Dept of Justice, especially from colleague Stephen Byrne.

“I’d like to praise the HSE for their dedication to the Kidney Association with regard transport to and from Joe’s dialysis and John Crean Taxis, Catherine and her team in KP&F and Dilly Little’s team in Dublin and all on Damian’s Ward in Beaumont Hospital.”

Organ Donor Cards can be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association 01 6205306 or free text the word DONOR to 50050. Visit website www.ika.ie/card. You can also download a free ‘digital organ donor card’ APP to your phone.

 

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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