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Jackpot winner donates half her winnings to charity

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By Sean Moriarty

Well-known woman Lara O’Brien won €23,544.93 in a national radio competition and promptly donated half of it to Kerry Parents and Friends (KPF).

Lara won the cash windfall on Today FM’s daily ‘Cash Machine’ competition.

Listeners to Bauer Media’s group of radio stations (Today FM, Newstalk, 98FM, SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West) must listen each day for a daily magic number. Once they enter the competition by text, radio station presenters select a random phone number to call. If the listener can give the correct magic number they win the cash prize.

Lara’s numbers aligned on Thursday last when her mobile was called by the radio station and she was able to give the correct answer.

As the competition had not been won for quite a while the rollover jackpot was a staggering €23,544.93.

Lara, whose daughter Charlie has Down Syndrome, decided to donate exactly half of her jackpot to KPF.

“I often see their bus on the road and always said if I ever won anything big I would do something for Kerry Parents and Friends,” Lara told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It came to €11,777.64, I got the bank draft on Wednesday and bank staff were asking why can’t I just round it up or down, but I said no way, I am giving exactly half.

“I made one stipulation, they can use €10,000 for whatever they need for the bus or the upkeep of the place, but the remaining €1,777.64 must be used to throw a party. Everybody needs a party and Kerry Parents and Friends turns 50 next year and I am delighted to say that the money will be used to throw a party for everyone associated with Kerry Parents and Friends in January.”

Lara will make her presentation to KPFA on Monday.

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Ladybirds seeking new members

The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division. Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive […]

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The Killarney branch of the Irish Girl Guides is currently seeking new members for its Ladybirds division.

Aimed at girls aged 5 to 7, the Lily Ladybirds provide an all-inclusive environment where young members are encouraged to reach their full potential through a mix of play, discovery, and community involvement.
As part of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), the mission of the branch is to enable girls and young women to develop into responsible citizens of the world. The Ladybirds programme specifically focuses on building confidence and teaching essential life skills. Participants engage in fun activities that help them develop a respect for the outdoors and learn to work effectively as part of a team.
Weekly meetings take place during the school term on Monday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. These sessions are held at the Presentation Monastery School on the New Road, providing a consistent and safe space for the girls to gather and learn.
A dedicated registration and information evening will be held on September 29th at 6:00 pm at the Presentation Monastery School. Organisers have noted that spaces within the Killarney branch are limited, so any parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend this session.
For further details on the enrolment process or the activities planned for the upcoming term, Maura Fitzgerald is available for inquiries at 087 7986958.

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Hermitage Green set for landmark St Mary’s Church concert

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The Wander Wild Festival, supported by Pig’s Lane, has confirmed that Irish trad-folk band Hermitage Green will headline a special concert as part of this year’s outdoor, culture, and wellness programme.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, a venue chosen for its unique atmosphere and stunning acoustics.

Known for an original instrumental arrangement that features the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar, and banjo, the five-piece band is entering its 15th year with significant momentum.

Their 2024 album, Connection, showcased a broadened creative scope through collaborations with author Gregory David Roberts and artist Bobby Fingers, earning praise for its emotional storytelling and sonic ambition.

This recent success was mirrored on stage when the group closed the Rankin Woods Stage at Electric Picnic and followed it with a sold-out performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

Doors for the St Mary’s Church of the Sloes event will open at 8:00 pm on April 18, with tickets currently available through the official festival booking platform.

The Wander Wild Festival itself runs from April 17 to 19 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, 53 Degrees North, Heineken 00, and Pig’s Lane.

With over 160 events scheduled across the weekend, the festival continues to establish Killarney as a leading destination for adventure and culture.

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