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Kerry Parents and Friends ‘Biddy’ fundraiser goes online

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ONLINE: Members of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group, pictured here in pre-COVID-19 times, are taking their annual fundraiser online.

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By Sean Moriarty

 

One of the most significant fundraisers for Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) has been forced to go online as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

KPFA offer a wide variety of services in Kerry to over 300 people with intellectual disabilities. They provide a broad range of support experiences and operate 30 centres countywide in day, residential, respite, home support and outreach.

The Killarney-headquartered but county-wide charity relies heavily on local donations and fundraisers.

One of its biggest fundraisers is its annual ‘Biddy’ tour where local musicians dress up in period-costume to mark the annual St Brigid’s Day religious feast on February 1.

“The Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group would visit practically every pub in the county between mid-January and early February,” Marie Linehan, Kerry Parents and Friends Association’s Chief Executive, told the Killarney Advertiser. “That is not possible this year.”

The annual ‘Biddy’ tour earns the charity around €7,000 and the absence of this year’s event will leave a large hole in their fundraising efforts.

Instead, KPFA have decided to take the tour online, with videos of previous years events to be broadcast on both the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association own social media channels. Viewers will be invited to make a donation to the charity while watching the videos.

Funds can also be donated by searching Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group on the GoFundMe.

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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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