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Over 19,000 hits on Ian’s first podcast

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By Darragh Doolan

Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell has taken his message to a whole new level - by starting a podcast on YouTube.

At just over 16 minutes long, the first episode of ‘Be Yourself’ has reached almost 20,000 views on the site since it was uploaded just two weeks ago.

“It’s a weird feeling when you fall, and you go to get up and you can’t,” he says in his podcast.

Ian describes the day of his accident and the aftermath in great detail, but it is his continuous positive response that draws so many people to listen to his message. For example, he tells of an experience during his time in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin, when told by a nurse that “I don’t want to be saying this, but you know you’re not going to get movement back after your injury”. His response - “I felt like telling her to eff off, but I just smiled and said ‘watch me’”.

Over the last 18 months, Ian has been inspiring people of all ages with his messages of positivity, in particular his “if you can’t stand up, stand out” attitude. Since his cycling accident in August 2017 that resulted to injuries to his spine, Ian has been interviewed on local radio, met the likes of UFC star Conor McGregor and even made an appearance on RTÉ’s ‘Late Late Show’. Wherever he goes, Ian’s attitude towards his situation and positive outlook on life has resonated with many people in Kerry and beyond.

The first episode of Ian O’Connell’s ‘Be Yourself’ is available on his YouTube channel under the video name BE/YOUR/SELF EP 1.

 

 

 

 

 

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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