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Kerry woman supports Meningitis Awareness Week to help save lives

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Gemma O'Connor, Glenbeigh, who is highlighting Meningitis Awareness Week.

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GLENBEIGH lady Gemma O’Connor is sharing her first-hand experience of meningitis and septicaemia during national Meningitis Awareness Week (September 19-25) to ensure people are aware of the symptoms, know to be vigilant and act fast.

Gemma contracted meningococcal septicaemia when she was 16. “The doctor told my parents I had only ten minutes to an hour to live but thankfully I survived. Meningitis is a very serious and fast developing disease,” said Gemma. “That’s why it’s so important that everyone knows the symptoms of meningitis, trusts their instincts and seeks medical advice without delay.”

Meningitis Awareness Week is run by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). The charity estimates that there are around 200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the Ireland. They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a third of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs. Babies, toddlers and young adults are most at risk but the disease can strike at any age.

From December 2016 babies born on or after October 1, 2016, will be routinely offered a vaccine to protect against MenB however there is no catch up campaign planned for older children.

Monika Marchlewicz, Ireland manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful to Gemma for helping to raise awareness during Meningitis Awareness Week.

MRF funds vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia but there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms. We encourage everyone to be vigilant and to get medical help if you spot the symptoms.”

Check that you know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia at www.meningitis.org/symptoms and share the Meningitis Awareness Week campaign (www.meningitis.org/maw2016) with everyone you know using #MRFAwarenessWeek.

For any questions about meningitis, septicaemia and vaccinations that can prevent the diseases call MRF’s Freefone helpline on 1800 41 3344 or log on to www.meningitis.org.
 


 
Gemma O'Connor, Glenbeigh, who is highlighting Meningitis Awareness Week.

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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