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New necessary measures to protect Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

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By Michelle Crean

Given the high numbers of people observed out on Kerry mountains at the weekend one local life-saving group has had to make some difficult choices.

Due to COVID-19, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team are asking walkers to forego their enjoyment of the hills for the moment and to stick to lowland paths and walkways, while strictly observing social distancing principles – otherwise, they say that a time could come when the team may not be able to respond at all.

“When calling out the Team to an incident, our first priority has to be the safety of Team members and their families,” Colm Burke, PRO, KMRT, said.

“We are all volunteers, many of whom live with and care for 'vulnerable' people at home and in our working lives. If you call 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue, we will of course do what we can, however, if you are uninjured, lost or benighted, you will be asked to consider waiting until morning, and/or better visibility to extricate yourself. If you are 'walking wounded' you will be asked to consider extricating yourself from the mountain. If you are seriously injured, and/or not physically able to get yourself off the hill, we will attend with the absolute minimum of team members needed to complete the task. Because of this, the evacuation will be less straightforward and the overall time to transport you to medical attention will be much longer.”
Helicopter support will only be requested if a time critical injury is sustained, he added.

“While contrary to everything Kerry Mountain Rescue believe in, these measures are necessary to protect Team members and their families at this time. COVID-19 is a very serious threat and it’s time everyone faced up to their responsibilities in order to limit the spread of the virus. Government guidelines have been very clear about physical distancing and many people have chosen to ignore this, putting everyone at risk.”

He explained that by its very nature, mountain rescue requires close contact between both rescuers and casualty, exposing everyone to the risk of infection.

“Remember, we could also infect you! Our already over-burdened hospitals don’t need or want any avoidable admissions over this difficult period.

Let's all put our shoulder to the wheel now and do our bit. Be responsible, stop the spread. Remember, the mountains will always be there.”

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Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

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The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

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Former President Michael D Higgins to address INTO Congress

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Former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, is scheduled to visit Killarney next week to address the 158th Annual Congress of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).

The conference will take place at the Gleneagle Arena from Monday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 8.

The former President, whose second term in office concluded late last year, is set to address delegates on the final morning of the congress, Wednesday, at 10:45 am.

As the largest primary school teachers’ union in Ireland, the INTO expects a significant turnout for the three-day event.

This year’s agenda is dominated by several high-profile issues, including teachers’ pay, industrial relations, and school funding.

Delegates will also discuss teacher supply, special education supports, and the new primary school curriculum.

The congress officially opens at 2:00 pm on Monday with an address from INTO President Anne Horan.

On Tuesday morning at 9:00 am, the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, is scheduled to speak, followed by a response from INTO General Secretary John Boyle.

The arrival of hundreds of delegates is expected to provide a significant boost to the local Killarney economy during the Easter period.

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