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Kerry charities receive €121,008 from Radio Kerry Bingo

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4 years ago

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CHEQUE: Four Kerry charities accepted a cheque from Radio Kerry Bingo totalling €121008. Pictured seated l-r were: Marisa Reidy (Recovery Haven) Breda Dyland (Kerry Cancer Support Group) Mary Fitzgerald (Comfort for Chemo Kerry) and Jack Shanahan (Kerry Hospice Foundation). Standing l-r were: Cllr Mikey Sheehy (Comfort for Chemo Kerry) Paudie Collins (Driver Kerry Cancer Support Group) Dan Smyth (Service user Kerry Cancer Support Group) John O'Sullivan (Radio Kerry Chairman of the Board) Cathal Walshe (Service user Recovery Haven) and Michael Moynihan (Recovery Haven Board Member).

Four very worthy charities, which provide vital support to cancer patients and their families, between them will share the proceeds of €121,008.

DONATION: John O'Sullivan (Radio Kerry) pictured with Jack Shanahan (Chairman Fundraising Kerry Hospice/Palliative Care) handing over a cheque from the proceeds from the Radio Kerry Bingo.

PROCEEDS: John O'Sullivan (Radio Kerry) pictured with Michael Moynihan (Recovery Haven Board Member) Marisa Reidy (Marketing & PR Recovery Haven) and Cathal Walshe (Service user Recovery Haven) handing over a cheque from the proceeds from the Radio Kerry Bingo.

Kerry Cancer Support Group, Kerry Hospice, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Comfort for Chemo Kerry were gifted the donation from the Radio Kerry Radio Bingo game.

Following a hiatus of many years Radio Kerry reintroduced the popular Radio Bingo game in May 2021 at a time when many live events and especially charity fundraisers were on hold due to the pandemic.

Radio Kerry worked with the four charities in July 2020 on a one day fundraiser called Celebrate4Life which raised over €135,000. They were then offered the opportunity to partner with the station on the Radio Bingo game. In total €256,000 has been raised by the people of Kerry, facilitated by Radio Kerry, for the four charities.

“We are lucky to live in a place with a strong sense of community," General Manager of Radio Kerry, Fiona Stack, said.

"The shareholders in Radio Kerry are all local businesses and organisations and are fully committed to any funds raised by the Radio Bingo being passed on to support local charities."

Breda Dyland of Kerry Cancer Support Group said Radio Kerry Bingo came at just the right time for Kerry Cancer Support Group.

"We were coming out of what had been a very difficult time during COVID when all fundraising had almost come to a halt," she said.

"The bingo raised not only vital funds but awareness too. The majority of the funding has been ringfenced for a new wheelchair accessible bus for our Cork route. We were lucky to receive €100k in funding but have to raise another €90k to buy the vehicle. Thanks to everyone who continues to support. It really means a great deal to the team and most of all to our service users.”

Jack Shanahan, Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation said they are delighted to accept this substantial amount from Radio Kerry.

“Along with supporting our regular palliative care services, the extra money will be spent helping employ two new full-time advanced nurse practitioners. They will provide much needed extra clinical support for our extremely busy units.”

Marisa Reidy, PR & Marketing Officer, Recovery Haven Kerry added that they are "absolutely blown away by the generosity and goodwill of the people of Kerry" and that they want to "thank them for their support of Radio Kerry Bingo".

"We hope they know just how much we appreciate their support and never take it for granted. Meanwhile, the team at Radio Kerry have been such wonderful supporters of our charity from day one, and we are so grateful that they thought so highly of us - and the other cancer support services in Kerry - to include us in this year’s Radio Kerry Bingo. The funds raised surpassed all our expectations and will go a huge way in allowing us to support those affected by cancer and their families.”

Mary Fitzgerald, Chairperson Comfort for Chemo Kerry added that the funds raised will go towards continuing fundraising to help build, equip and provide comfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy in a state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit within the grounds of UHK.

BINGO

As well as the weekly jackpot there is a daily prize of €400 for players who fill a panel on the daily page. Numbers are broadcast five times per day on Radio Kerry as well as being posted on Radio Kerry Facebook and Instagram Stories daily. Books are €5 each available from over 70 outlets countywide. Radio Kerry does not benefit financially from the Radio Bingo game.

€70,395 in prize money has been won by players, €43,995 in daily prizes and two Jackpot wins of €13,800 and €12,600.

The Radio Kerry Radio Bingo game is now in its second year and proceeds from the game continue to be distributed equally among the four charity partners Kerry Cancer Support Group, Kerry Hospice, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

For more details on Radio Kerry Radio Bingo and a list of participating shops where books can be purchased are available on www.radiokerry.ie/bingo.

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Flesk Valley Rowing Club tackles Ocean to City race

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35 minutes ago

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6 June 2026

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Flesk Valley Rowing Club sent a well-seasoned crew across the county bounds last weekend to compete in the Ocean to City race (An Rás Mór).


The crew, consisting of Peter O’Sullivan, Colm O’Súillebháin, Karol Kelly, and Donal Kelly, was piloted by Carrigaline native Paul Burke. Burke used his local knowledge to navigate the shortest course possible from Crosshaven to Cobh, through Monkstown and Lough Mahon, all the way to the finish line in Cork city.
The crew prepared for the event with marathon training sessions on Lough Lein over the past few weeks, aided by coxes Orlaith O’Sullivan, Caoimhe Kelly, Aodhagán O’Sullivan, and Noel Prendergast.
Club organisers extended thanks to Colm O’Súillebháin for organising the trip, Karol Kelly for towing the boat, Breda Burke for logistical support, and the travelling supporters. Thanks were also expressed to Fossa Rowing Club for the use of their trailer over the weekend.


Flesk Valley Rowing Club Ocean to City 2026: Pictured left to right are Peter O’Sullivan, Donal Kelly, Karol Kelly, Paul Burke, and Colm O’Súillebháin.

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Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October

Published

8 hours ago

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6 June 2026

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The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.

The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.

“This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors,” Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.

The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire’s Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.

Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.

Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award programme to resume this October

The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award Programme is set to return this autumn following a six-year absence.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society confirmed that the 12th annual award ceremony will take place in Killarney during the final weekend of October 2026.

The prestigious award programme was suspended due to resource constraints after the 2019 presentation to Ireland’s UN Peacekeepers, with its resumption further delayed by the pandemic.

“This has been made possible through the generous support of the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and other sponsors,” Society Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said.

IRISH UN VETERANS HONOURED IN KILLARNEY – JUNE 4th 2019 Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe pictured after accepting the Mons Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are Mayor of Killarney Niall Kelleher, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O’Mahony, Hugh O’Flaherty, Pearl Dineen, Jerry O’Grady and invited guests. Photo: Don MacMonagle Press release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey. Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support” Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”. The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”. The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed. The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board. Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers. Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty. Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com

The memorial society will shortly issue an official call for nominations for the 2026 recipient. Over the years, the accolade has honoured a wide range of humanitarian work, with previous recipients including GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Trócaire’s Sally O’Neill, the late Donal Walsh, and emergency rescue groups including the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, and Kerry Mountain Rescue.

Full details on the nomination procedures and closing dates can be obtained directly from the society by emailing oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com.

IRISH UN VETERANS HONOURED IN KILLARNEY – JUNE 4th 2019 Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe accepts the Mons Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award 2019 on behalf of the Defence Forces from retired Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty, (grandson of the monsignor) in Killarney on Tuesday evening. Also in photo are from left,, Jim Casey, Chairman, IUNVA, Major General Kieran Brennan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Patrick Flynn and UN Veteran John O’Mahony. Photo: Don MacMonagle Press Release: Before a large audience in the unique and beautiful St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, including foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats and UN Veterans, Killarney’s Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher presented the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award Scroll last evening to Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe and Irish UN Veterans Chairman Jim Casey. Representing the Hugh O’Flaherty Family and Memorial Society, Judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Pearl Dineen presented the International Humanitarian Medal to Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Kieran Brennan and Brigadier General Patrick Flynn. The Award Ceremony was preceded by a powerful performance by Donal Courtney of his acclaimed one-man play “God Has No Country”, receiving a standing ovation from all present. In his introduction, Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady said, “Heroes are often defined as those who give of themselves, often putting their own lives at risk for the greater good of others. By this measure, without seeking fame or fortune, the brave men and women of the Irish Defence Forces wearing the iconic blue beret, are truly heroes, deserving of our unbridled admiration and support” Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Niall Kelleher said, “From Lebanon to Cyprus and from El Salvador to Kosovo, Irish UN peacekeepers have always served with diligence and distinction. Irish Defence Forces in particular have always been warmly welcomed wherever they have served. That honourable service has probably come to greater public attention in recent years through the telling of the story of the Siege of Jadotville, but for decades now, Irish men and women have proudly entered some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. It is important to remember at time too those 86 members of our Defence Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice”. In his acceptance speech, Minister Paul Kehoe said, “Just like the incredible humanitarian work carried out by Monsignor O’Flaherty over 75 years ago, the Irish Defence Forces have also brought great honour to Ireland through their participation in peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years. One of the elements that I am often struck by as Minister is the deep respect and admiration for the Irish Defence Forces right around the world”. The Minister added, “Ireland’s unbroken and proud history of participation in UN missions is one of the things that helps makes us stand out as a nation. It strengthens our values; it deepens our international relations; it shows that one small country can make a huge difference on the global stage. As Minister, I am determined that we continue our great Peacekeeping tradition”. The minister paid a special tribute to one member of the audience, Scartaglin native Irish UN Veteran John O’Mahony. In 1980 while serving in the Lebanon, John was shot and seriously injured but happily he survived. Sadly, two of his colleagues, Pte Derek Smallhorne and Pte Thomas Barrett were killed. The final element of the Award Ceremony was the presentation of a generous bursary to the Veterans Association by Donal Hickey, Vice Chair of the Muckross House Trustees Board. Included in the audience were four members of the Raaijmakers family from the Netherlands. Their uncle Anton Musters (Fr Anselmus) was an Augustinian Priest in Rome and an active member of the Rome Escape Line. One month before the Liberation of Rome, he was captured by the Gestapo, interrogated and tortured, but he refused to reveal any information on the Rome organisation. He was being transported to a prison camp in Germany when he escaped during a stopover in Florence and returned to Rome on the day of Liberation. If Fr Anselmus had given up the Rome Organisation during torture, it is probable the Msgr Hugh and many others would not have survived the war. His bravery saved the lives of many of the Escape Line organisers. Earlier in the day, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Rome, two symbolic trees were planted in the Graveyard of the O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, the burial place of Monsignor Hug O’Flaherty. Further Information: oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com

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