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New sensory ‘Cubbie’ opened at Kerry library

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A self-contained unit that will offer comfort to children, teens and adults with sensory impairments such as ASD, Dementia, ADHD, Dyspraxia and general anxiety, has opened at one local library.

'The Cubbie' is a new sensory hub at Listowel Library can help ease anxiety in a safe and private environment. Its user-friendly software can generate effects like sound, visuals, coloured lights and can be adapted to the individualised sensory needs of each user.

Settings can be saved and used during future visits to Listowel Library or indeed any of the other Cubbie locations across Ireland.

‘The Cubbie’ will offer increased opportunity for more inclusive access to library services, and it will support Listowel in its objective to achieving accreditation from AsIAm (www.asiam.ie) as an Autism Friendly Town.

"Library staff look forward to engaging with the local community – parents, teachers, carers, Special Needs Assistants and the Listowel Autism Friendly Town Committee to promote the benefits and developmental value of ‘The Cubbie’," County Librarian, Tommy O’Connor, said.

"Anyone is welcome to use this service and it can be used as a safe space for anyone seeking a calming environment in which to relax and refocus. It is also suitable for meditation, mindfulness and promoting well-being," he said.

Provision of ‘The Cubbie’ was facilitated by Dormant Accounts Funding, as part of a Government of Ireland initiative from the Dept. Of Community and Rural Development to provide Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities. Kerry County Council provided matched funding.

‘The Cubbie’ is designed and manufactured in Ireland and won a Microsoft for Start-ups Diversity in Technology Award for Disability Inclusion in 2020. It is designed to the Wheelchair Association of Ireland specification and can be used by all people regardless of age, size or ability.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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