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Kerry farmers behind plan to save Air Ambulance

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EXCLUSIVE

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

 

Kerry farmers have backed a plan to keep the Irish Community Rapid Response(ICRR) Air Ambulance in the sky.

 

The Millstreet, County Cork-based service could be grounded unless over €330,000 is found immediately to fund the charity service.

 

Since its launch in July 2019 the service has flown in 250 missions but, without any sort of Government support, it needs public funds to pay pilot wages, fuel and to cover other costs including its requirement to pay VAT to Revenue on all purchases.

 

Earlier this month the charity put out an urgent plea for funds to keep the service operating.

Last week, the charity raised €61,848 of a €400,000 target it set for a two-week GoFundMe campaign.

 

As a result the service was cut from seven to five days to ensure it could carry on for another six weeks, during which time it said it would try and come up with more money.

 

Farmers in Kerry are being asked to donate €20 each to help run the service.

 

The idea was first mooted at a directors’ meeting of Kerry Co-Op farmers in Tralee last week and since that meeting it has gathered momentum and could be expanded Munster-wide.

 

Firies-based dairy farmer Tom Murphy is a member of the 23-strong Kerry Co-Op farmers board and he was first to put the idea to his colleagues.

 

“We have arranged a meeting with the Air Ambulance team in Tralee on February 6 where we are going to discuss a three-year plan with them,” Mr Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “After that meeting we hope to come up with a plan to get all of the farmers in Kerry and Munster behind it.”

 

There are around 3,300 members in the co-op and this does not include dairy farmers who supply other creameries or non-dairy farmers.

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Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

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The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

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Former President Michael D Higgins to address INTO Congress

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Former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, is scheduled to visit Killarney next week to address the 158th Annual Congress of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).

The conference will take place at the Gleneagle Arena from Monday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 8.

The former President, whose second term in office concluded late last year, is set to address delegates on the final morning of the congress, Wednesday, at 10:45 am.

As the largest primary school teachers’ union in Ireland, the INTO expects a significant turnout for the three-day event.

This year’s agenda is dominated by several high-profile issues, including teachers’ pay, industrial relations, and school funding.

Delegates will also discuss teacher supply, special education supports, and the new primary school curriculum.

The congress officially opens at 2:00 pm on Monday with an address from INTO President Anne Horan.

On Tuesday morning at 9:00 am, the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, is scheduled to speak, followed by a response from INTO General Secretary John Boyle.

The arrival of hundreds of delegates is expected to provide a significant boost to the local Killarney economy during the Easter period.

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