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Jack keeps promise to Thomas with special song tribute

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By Michelle Crean

A Killarney man who is much loved for his musical talent has paid a wonderful and very special tribute to his young teenage brother who tragically died in July.

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14-year-old Thomas Healy from the Gap of Dunloe, sang his brother's self-penned song 'Christmas Without You (Candle on the Window)' just weeks before he passed away unexpectedly in an accident on Ross Road.

However, his eldest brother, Jack Patrick Healy, only recently heard the video existed and decided to create a duet of them singing together to fulfil a promise they made to record it.

Thomas' beautiful tones are mixed with Jack's and it has since been released online for free.

"Myself and Thomas made a deal that we would record it together," Jack, who has been living in London for the last three years, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"However, because of COVID it never happened."

In 2009 Jack wrote the song after being "thrown out" of maths class one day in the Intermediate School in Killorglin. He was aged 15, the same age Thomas would have turned this December 27.

"I was sitting outside in the hallway and I was writing chords and the lyrics were just coming to me. I was listening to Christmas songs and they're all happy but not everyone is happy at Christmas time, and thinking of my mother who has a tradition of the candle in the window at Christmas."

Himself and Thomas sang the song each year in Sol y Sombra in Killorglin in aid of the local hospice branch but sadly never got the chance to get to the studio together.

Seven weeks ago Jack received a message from one of Thomas' friends saying there was a video he needed to see.

There, he saw Thomas singing his song which is especially poignant given how close it's getting to Christmas.

Then Jack decided to keep their promise and using modern music technology recorded their voices together as a duet in the most amazing and special way.

"I listened to it and I said I have got to do something with it," Jack said. "He had his own way of singing and it's lovely. I took his voice and my voice and put it together. I'm very proud of it, and it's a lot of healing for mom and dad [Julie and Ger]."

And the song is not for sale, he added.

"I'm not selling it. It's up online for people to listen to. If it can give one family a bit strength I've given something from myself and Thomas."

To listen to the special duet go to Facebook: Jack Patrick Healy.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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