News
Locals are teaming up to support Charlie Bird
A group who only know too well the devastating diagnosis Motor Neurone can bring are pulling together to support veteran RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird.
DEVASTATING: Veteran RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird received the devastating Motor Neurone diagnosis last October..
ROUTE: The route the walk will take on Saturday April 2 for the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone walk to support Charlie Bird.
DEVASTATING: Veteran RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird received the devastating Motor Neurone diagnosis last October..
ROUTE: The route the walk will take on Saturday April 2 for the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone walk to support Charlie Bird.
Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone are organising a walk in Killarney National Park on Saturday April 2, in conjunction with the Charlie Bird Climb of Croagh Patrick on the same day.
Charlie, who was the voice of Irish television reporting for over four decades, made public his recent diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last October.
"It was a devastating diagnosis for Charlie but soon afterwards he decided to do something for the plight of people living with the terrible disease," Christy Lehane, Chairperson of Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, said.
"He decided to climb Croagh Patrick mountain on April 2, to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and another charity close to Charlie’s heart namely Pieta House. Charlie acknowledges that the climb will be an immense challenge, but he is determined to do it. Since then, over 100 climbs and walks are planned to take place throughout the country and many of these are here in Kerry. I am aware that many people are climbing mountains, walking in the woods to highlight the vast mountains so many Motor Neurone patients must climb in their everyday lives due to this severe illness physical and mental and Charlie Bird, while climbing the holy mountain, is also climbing his personal mountain with the terrible disease called Motor Neurone."
Registration is at the Headquarters of Kerry Parents and Friends Association at the Old Monastery, Port Road from 10.30am before the walk commences at 11am. The walk is not challenging and is suitable for all walkers and everybody is welcome.
All funds raised will be divided equally between the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House to ensure they can continue to do their vital work in every community across Ireland.
The IMNDA is the only organisation of its kind in the country dedicated to working on behalf of people living with MND, their families and carers. Their key services include home visits by its four MND nurses, financial assistance towards home help and the supply of specialised equipment on loan. The IMNDA also funds and promotes research into the causes and treatment of MND.
Pieta House first opened its doors in Lucan County Dublin in 2006. Since then, they have helped over 60,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self harm. They operate 20 locations across the country, and they now employ over 200 therapists and support staff, and the demand for their services is increasing.
People can also donate to climbwithcharlie.ie.
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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