News
“Little hero” ready to celebrate first birthday
LITTLE HERO: Little Noah, pictured with his parents Caroline and Joey Weeks, will reach a milestone birthday next week after a traumatic start to life. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Michelle Crean
One boy's first birthday next week will be very special as his parents didn't think he'd survive after suffering from a traumatic and frightening condition at birth.
Little Noah Weeks contracted Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) - which occurs in one in one thousand babies - and his parents Caroline and Joey recall how it was "touch and go" at the time.
Minutes after his birth Noah, who they describe as their "little hero" was whisked away and placed in an incubator in the Emly Ward in University Hospital Kerry. A team was urgently dispatched from Crumlin Children's Hospital via the Air Corps who rushed Noah up Dublin for specialist care.
And, as it was in the middle of the pandemic it meant only one parent could visit a day, making it an incredibly emotional experience for both parents.
As her little boy battled for his life, Caroline (33) realised just how incredible the staff are and is now fundraising to support them.
She took on the '150kms Your Way' and plans to finish it next Wednesday just before Noah's milestone birthday on Saturday, May 29. They are planning a special socially distanced celebration with an outdoor BBQ with their immediate family all within current Government guidelines.
"I chose to run it and I've done 135kms so far, I'll be finished by Wednesday before his birthday," Caroline told the Killarney Advertiser.
"I'm doing it for Crumlin, they're the reason he survived. It was quite serious and he was touch and go. We're nothing but grateful and we feel really fortunate that there's something like that there. They do such incredible invaluable work, they have the expertise."
She added that Dr Mary McCaffrey from the Scotia Clinic made it possible for her to see Noah being born under caesarean section and she was the first in Kerry to use the "window drap".
She's also been a huge advocate for breastfeeding in Kerry. Caroline thanked Anna O’Donoghue, Lactation Consultant and Practice Nurse from Muckross who works at Ross Medical Practice at the Reeks.
"Noah was on a feeding tube for nine or 10 days. Then I was able to breastfeed, I started pumping and syringe feeding him. Once he was feeding successfully we were allowed home. He's really healthy now. He's our little hero."
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape
The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.
Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires
It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.
Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape
Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the...
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires It marks the end of an era for local dentistry...
Medal and bursary revealed as Hugh O’Flaherty Award returns
The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society has officially revealed the Humanitarian Medal and a €3,000 bursary that will be presented to...
Beaufort Golf Club to host first Kerry Mental Health Association Golf Classic
Beaufort Golf Club to host first Kerry Mental Health Association Golf Classic Kerry Mental Health Association has announced details of...
County Kerry lands its very own MONOPOLY board: Killarney landmarks included
Live from the Killarney Plaza: County Kerry lands its very own MONOPOLY boardThe Killarney Advertiser is live at the Killarney...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
