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Order of Malta ambulance heading to Chernobyl

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PRESENTATION: Anna Nesterova (Candle for Grace) accepts the keys of an ambulance from Joe Looney (Killarney Order of Malta).

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By Sean Moriarty

 

An Order of Malta ambulance that served its time in Killarney is on its way to Chernobyl where it will enjoy a new lease of life.

The fully kitted out ambulance, which is surplus to requirements locally after a former a HSE ambulance replaced it, will now be used by hospitals in the Chernobyl area.

A Mayo-based charity called Candle of Grace organises the collection of much needed medical supplies to be used by local health facilities and orphanages near Chernobyl.

Throughout 2020 the Order of Malta Units based in Limerick, Nenagh and Thurles aided Candle of Grace with this collection.

During this process it was realised that there was a shortage of ambulances in the area and two end-of-life vehicles – one each in Killarney and Cashel – were identified and handed over just before Christmas.

Candle of Grace is now in the process of delivering them to Chernobyl.

"It is great to see surplus but still serviceable medical equipment given a new lease of life where it is most needed. It is anticipated that both of these ex-frontline vehicles can be put to good use to the people of the Chernobyl region in early 2021. A number of years ago our Killarney Unit facilitated a similar vehicle donation and we are delighted to help once again,” said the Order of Malta’s Assistant Commander Tony O’Mara.

Both vehicles laden with additional medical supplies, collected and donated by the Nenagh, Thurles and Limerick units of the Ambulance Corps, will be driven to the Chernobyl area by Candle of Grace volunteers in the coming days.

“We had a 2011 ambulance but it was in great condition and we really needed to find another home for it,” Joe Looney, Order of Malta – Killarney’s deputy officer in charge, told the Killarney Advertiser.

The Killarney branch will in turn take charge of a former NHS ambulance as the national fleet gets updated to modern vehicles.

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Glamour and glitz for St Brendan’s College Debs

Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday. Students gathered for a stylish […]

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Glamour and glitz were the order of the day as students from St Brendan’s College cut a dash at their annual Debs ball on Monday.

Students gathered for a stylish pre-debs reception at St Brigid’s before being whisked off to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee, where celebrations continued long into the night.
As much a coming-of-age celebration as the end of an era, the occasion marked the students’ final act together following six years at the town centre college.
With Leaving Certificate results looming, the Class of 2026 now prepares to take their next steps, whether heading off to third-level education, beginning apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Whatever path they choose, we wish them the very best in all their future endeavours.
Photos: Michelle Cooper Galvin

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub

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Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub


A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.


Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com

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