News
Killarney-born New York travel agent passes away
There was an air of sadness as news filtered through Michael ‘Stephen' Healy passed away peacefully at his Pearl River home June 20.
The New York-based Killarney man was best known as a travel agent in New York that brought thousands of American visitors and returning emigrants to Killarney over the years.
Steve was born on January 12,1936 in Kilbrean and grew up with five siblings on a farm.
His father, Michael died when he was two, and his mother, Catherine, raised the family on her own.
He attended Tiernaboul National School and St. Brendan’s College and enjoyed rowing and playing Gaelic football for his local clubs.
Steve moved to London in 1954 where he worked in a tyre factory.
In 1956, he immigrated to Chicago, and served in the US Army, gaining US citizenship.
Steve later made his way to New York City in 1957 where he met his best friend, Connie O’Sullivan.
Connie introduced Steve to his wife Anne on a blind date - ironic because they both hailed from Killarney!
In June of 1966, Connie and Steve opened their first of several travel agencies.
After residing in the Bronx for a few years, like many immigrant stories preceding them, Steve and Anne moved to the suburb of Pearl River, in October of 1966, and raised four children together.
As time passed, Steve and Anne became active members of the Kerrymen’s Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians , Rockland Gaelic Football Club, the Irish Travel Agents Association, and St. Margaret’s Church, among other groups.
Steve also loved returning home to his beloved Killarney to see his various Spillane and Healy relatives.
Steve is survived by his wife Anne (nee Carbery), children Sean, Liam, Tara and Colleen, siblings Mary Spillane and John Joe Healy and extended family.
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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