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Killarney pharmacy wins national health literacy award

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CONGRATULATIONS to Haven Kennelly’s Pharmacy of New Street and The Reeks Gateway which has won a coveted accolade. Haven Kennelly’s was awarded the Crystal Clear health literacy mark by healthcare company MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). As such, it is one of the leading pharmacies promoting health literacy in Ireland, helping its customers better understand their medication and treatments.

This programme has been running since 2015 and recognises the critical role pharmacies play in helping patients understand their health issues. So far, 59 pharmacies have been recognised through the initiative for their high standards in patient education.

Two in five (39%) Irish people want doctors, nurses and pharmacists to use more understandable language and less medical jargon. They also would like healthcare professionals to speak less formally (22%) and take more time to explain things (18%). Interestingly, "embarrassment" was ranked as the main reason for not seeking more information from a healthcare professional (24%).

Inez Bailey, director, NALA, said, “Many Irish adults have significant difficulty understanding medication leaflets, impacting their ability to effectively manage their health when faced with complex treatment decisions and information. The Crystal Clear programme is an important investment in the future health of the people of Ireland, ensuring that they can process information effectively and empowering them to make better decisions about their health and wellbeing.”

To be awarded the Crystal Clear Mark, Haven Kennelly’s Pharmacy had to complete an audit across a number of areas to show how their pharmacy was “health literacy friendly” and communicating clearly with customers in accessible ways. Following assessment from NALA, Haven Kennelly’s was found to qualify for this quality mark.

Pharmacies who wish to participate in the Crystal Clear Programme can log on to www.nala.ie/crystalclear to complete the online audit which will identify what they are already doing to support the literacy and numeracy needs of their patients, as well as what they could do better. Those who are successful in completing this audit and meeting the requirements can then apply for the Crystal Clear Mark.
 


 
Finbarr Kennelly, pharmacist, with David Kennelly, his son
Picture: Don MacMonagle

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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