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KDYS launches new online club for teenagers

Published

6 years ago

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As teens can’t get out, the KDYS has launched a new ‘Online Club’ to provide an outlet for young people across Kerry.

It’s open to all secondary school aged young people via the KDYS Facebook page, but anyone can join in!
“We are hoping that we can provide another option for young people to connect, have fun and support each other in this extraordinary time,” CEO Tim O’Donoghue said.

“Parents too could look in and maybe get some ideas and helpful tips in coping with long days locked down.”

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland, the KDYS has been constantly trying to ensure that all young people in Kerry are receiving the support that they need, in these testing times. Already, KDYS youth workers, across their suite of services have, in conjunction with young people, come up with new ways of engaging with young people and the wider community.

There is a KDYS affiliated youth club in most communities throughout the Diocese. However, as these are no longer operating due to the HSE guidelines connected to the crisis, the KDYS and its volunteers highlighted a gap in provision for its 1,400 youth club members. The ‘Online Club’ is posted every Friday, primarily on the KDYS county-wide Snapchat group, but is also shared on all KDYS social media platforms.

KDYS youth worker, Michelle O’Neill said that this program was created to provide young people and their families with a positive activity programme that they could take part in from the comfort and safety of their own home.

“KDYS Online Club provides members with a new program each Friday publicised through all KDYS social media platforms. The weekly program includes fun and active games, simple and healthy recipes, art and craft ideas and much more.”

She added that the response so far has been overwhelming with requests being made by school teachers for them to make it accessible to their own students.

The KDYS is operating remotely and full support services are still being provided. For contact details, please search KDYS on all social media platforms or see www.kdys.ie.

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Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

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14 hours ago

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17 October 2025

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Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

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Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates […]

Published

18 hours ago

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17 October 2025

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Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates of bystander CPR worldwide.

The main event, titled RAH 2025, invites the public to learn life-saving skills and the basic steps in the chain of survival. This will take place on Saturday, October 18, at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Members of the public are encouraged to join KCRU at the centre between 10:00 am and 5pm.
Key feature of the day will be the CPR Competition, offering “fantastic prizes to be won.”
For further information, visit www.killarneycru.ie/rah25

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