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“No one is listening” says UK based Irish nurse

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ON THE FRONTLINE: Lucy Whelan (28) from Milltown, whose grandmother Eileen Whelan is from Beaufort, is an A&E nurse in the UK.

By Michelle Crean

A Kerry nurse who is working hard on the frontline in a London Hospital says that the people in the UK are not taking the current health crisis seriously.

Lucy Whelan (28) from Milltown, whose grandmother Eileen Whelan is from Beaufort, says numbers of patients with COVID-19 are rising and it’s getting busier.

Lucy, daughter of Susan Harris-Doyle, who attended secondary school in Presentation, has been living in the UK for 11 years and says she’s picking up as many shifts as possible to help in the COVID-19 crisis they now find themselves in. She’s appealing to people to continue physical distancing and to practice good hygiene.

She trained in Hertfordshire University where she qualified as a nurse in 2012 and now works as an A&E nurse in a London hospital.

This week, as Prime Minister Boris johnson announced new stringent measures to keep people at home, she told the Killarney Advertiser that Ireland is taking it more seriously than the UK as people are still out in groups and many non-essential shops such as vaping stores still have their doors open.

“Ireland is taking it way more seriously than here,” she said. “There’s people out in groups on the high street where I live. There’s this attitude of it won’t happen to them. I want to shout at people ‘what are ye doing?’.”

She explained that with numbers rising rapidly to over 2000 in the last few days, A&Es are now turning into respiratory centres to treat as many as possible.

And although she has an underlying health condition, Lucy says she’s not worried for herself.

“We have been given extra scrubs. We put on a full gown from wrist to ankle, a visor, masks and have to cover our hair. We shower before we leave work and I go home wash my clothes at 90 degrees and shower again. I won’t let anyone in my car. I’m not worried for myself but worry what I’ll bring home to my boyfriend. He’s nervous.”

She’s appealing to people not to get complacent and think of those like her on the frontline.

“A lot of nurses I know have separated from their family because they don’t want to spread it to them. One sent her child to relatives up the country. It’s awful what people are having to do.”

And wearing gloves isn’t the best measure to take, she added.

“Don’t rely on them because when people wear them they forget to wash their hands.”

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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