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Killarney biker provides rapid response for those in need

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DELIVERY: Fiona O'Carroll dropping off Denis Tagney's weekly shopping. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney motorcycle enthusiast is providing vital support to vulnerable people in her community by delivering meals and medicines.

Fiona Carroll from Mill Road has been riding a motorcycle for 10 years after the annual Killarney BikeFest on her doorstep sparked a new interest in the hobby she chose to mark her 40th birthday.

“I lost my husband to cancer over 10 years ago, he was diagnosed on his 40th birthday so I wanted to do something special on mine. I went to the festival, asked could I go for a passenger ride on one of the bikes and that is where it all started."

Fiona’s son Daniel is a member of Killarney Legion GAA Club and the famous town team is a member of the Kerry County Council supported Kerry Public Participation Network (KPPN), an umbrella group for sporting and volunteer organisations in the county.

When the Council set up its COVID-19 Community Response Forum, every club with the PPN was automatically included.

“My son plays football with the club, I am not even a member, but the club is very good at pulling in people when they need people to help. They know I did other charity work on the bike and that is how I got called in,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.

Fiona is a regular participant in the annual Christmas Charity Motorbike toy run which is organised by motorcycle clubs in Killarney and Tralee.

The Mill Road woman uses her Harley Davidson Road King to collect shopping and medicine for local people who are currently cocooning.

“All of the people I am helping are within my own 2km,” she added. “Legion got this off the ground very quickly and I now have regulars who call me direct and I can respond to their needs."

A typical day for Fiona would involve fielding phone calls from her regulars and working out what needs to done or what needs to be collected in town.

“One lady out in Muckross rang me to collect shopping and a prescription but I was able to get all that done in the one run,” she added. “I know what it's like, my own parents are cocooning in Wexford and I just want to help people when I can. “

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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