A friend of a young man who drowned in the River Flesk this summer is calling on Kerry County Council to install lifebuoys along the riverbank near the Killarney Athletic Grounds.

The appeal comes after the death of Padraig (Paudie) O’Rahilly, 28, of Calfmount, Headford, who got into difficulty in the river on August 12.
Emergency services were called to the Woodlawn area shortly after 3pm following reports of a man in trouble in the water. Paramedics, fire crews, a doctor and members of the public assisted, but Mr O’Rahilly was recovered from the water and pronounced dead a short time later.
Sinead Sajahan, whose partner survived the same incident, said she wants to prevent another family from going through a similar loss.
“My partner Thomas and his best friend Paudie were enjoying the weather in the river when they were suddenly and unexpectedly caught in a current. Both fought desperately for their lives but unfortunately only one made it out,” she said.
Ms Sajahan said the area is used daily by players, families and children yet lacks basic water safety equipment.

“The River Flesk is a beautiful part of our community, but like all rivers it can be unpredictable and dangerous. Every year lives are put at risk in fast-moving waters — accidents can happen in an instant. These simple, inexpensive devices can mean the difference between life and death,” she added.
She said she will continue to push the local authority to act.

“I will fight and push my hardest to be heard because the longer something is not being done the quicker someone could tragically lose another life again.”

Badminton rivals and friends face-off for the first time in 40 years

History was made last weekend at the Munster Masters badminton tournament in Waterford when two players from Killarney met on court for the first time in over 40 years.

In the over-60 men’s doubles, Mike Lyne faced Paudie O’Mahony, who now lives in Cork. Both men first picked up a racket more than 50 years ago while attending the Presentation Monastery Primary School, practising almost daily in the old Monastery Hall.
This time, Paudie came out on top, beating Mike 19-21, 21-10 and 21-14. Paudie took home the gold medal while Mike collected silver.
There was also success for Sinead Galvin, who won the women’s over-50 singles title and was runner-up in the doubles.
The Killarney Badminton senior club opened its new season this week, with juvenile sessions beginning on October 3.