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Killarney woman features in national photographic exhibition

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EXHIBITION: Mary O'Sullivan from Park Road, will feature in a national photographic exhibition celebrating 10 years of Genio.

By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney woman who suffered from mental health issues as a teenager will feature as part of a national photographic exhibition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Genio, a not-for-profit agency that helped fund her recovery.

Mary O’Sullivan, from Park Road,experienced significant mental health challenges from her late teens, which meant her time in university was cut short. She spent a number of years struggling with her health and unable to engage in work or education.

The first step on her recovery journey was when she joined the Kerry Peer Support Network in 2013.

The Tralee-based organisation is funded by the HSE and Genio, a not-for-profit charity that works with people living with disabilities, mental health difficulties, dementia, and those who are long-term homeless in Ireland, is celebrating 10 years and has collaborated with photographer Ruth Medjber to create the exhibition ‘Facing Change’.

The exhibition features 10 portraits of inspiring people from the four corners of Ireland, from a variety of backgrounds and across ages and genders. They have all been supported to overcome personal challenges.

“Having come from a dark place, experiencing mental health difficulties, my recovery began from being part of a recovery group, Kerry Peer Support Network set up by Brenda Healy in 2012,” Mary told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Attending and participating in this group greatly empowered my personal journey in recovery. We hold a recovery meeting each Wednesday in Rahoonane Community Centre, Tralee, from 10.30am to 11.30am, with teas and coffees after. The group provides people with mental health difficulties a safe and beneficial space to listen and share. The group was set up initially on a six-week trial and is still going strong.”

The exhibition began its national tour last weekend at Dublin’s Gallery of Photography and will now travel around the country.

 

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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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