HeartBeat Killarney Kerry Cardiac Support Group hosted a special Men’s Health Night on Tuesday at the Parish Centre on Park Road.

The event focused on encouraging men aged 30 to 60 to prioritize their heart health, as statistics show one in five heart attacks in men occur before age 50.

The highlight of the evening was a personal account from former Senior Kerry footballer and RocheFit gym owner Darragh Roche.

The Glenflesk player detailed his experience of suffering a heart attack last year at just 29 years old.

Despite his healthy lifestyle as a fitness instructor and athlete with no family history of heart issues, Roche described experiencing a “squeezing sensation” in his chest that spread down his left arm while sitting at home.

Following an emergency ambulance transfer and medical intervention, he made a successful recovery and returned to the football pitch just nine weeks later.

Dr Rosemary Kelliher and Dr Danielle O’Leary from GP Care Killarney were also on hand to discuss the importance of prevention and heart health maintenance.

The night began with free blood pressure and pulse checks provided by HeartBeat nurses, followed by a Q&A session where attendees could address specific concerns with the medical professionals.

Killarney’s tourism offering took centre stage this week as local representatives promoted the town across major international events in Dublin, Florida, and Cologne.

At the Holiday World Show in Dublin, which attracted over 25,000 visitors, the Discover Kerry stand was led by Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF) Chairman Pat O’Leary and Executive Joanne McCarthy.
The Killarney-based team handed out maps and guides provided by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to assist potential visitors with specific queries regarding local walks and trails.
We had many enquiries for Killarney and we were able to give plenty tips for walks and trails around the area, as Killarney Chamber had provided us with maps,” Joanne McCarthy, Executive for Kerry Tourism Industry Federation,” Joanne McCarthy, Executive for Kerry Tourism Industry Federation.
The Dublin event featured several high-profile visitors, including the International Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, and US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh, who expressed great enthusiasm for the county’s world-class golf and landscape.
Killarney’s reach extended globally with representation at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, and the CMT show in Germany. These international missions are part of a unified strategy between the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry County Council, and Tech Industry Alliance to promote the region as a premier destination to visit, live, and work.