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Over 30 charges struck out in Ballyspillane feud case

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Over 30 charges were struck out and a number of convictions not proceeded with after several women - representing both sides of an ongoing Killarney "feud" - withdrew complaints against each other at a special sitting of Killarney District Court yesterday (Thursday).

A large garda presence and a number of garda vans secured the court. The parties left by separate entrances.

Solicitor for six of the accused, Padraig O’Connell, welcomed what he described as “a period of rapprochement”.

Mr O’Connell described the striking out of 30 charges as “an opportunity to let the dust settle”.

A recent charge alleging a threat to kill against a man known as “Sexy” is proceeding, the court heard.

The special sitting is the second such involving the dispute between a number of closely connected families in Hazlewood Drive and Ballyspillane area of Killarney.

Last November a case before the Circuit Court in Tralee was told the feud was sparked by a row over a bouncy castle in May 2018 during a First Holy Communion gathering of closely connected families, some of them related.

The charges struck out yesterday include public order, road traffic, and assault in a dispute which had spilled over into nightclubs and shops in Killarney.

The special sitting in December, heard how traffic had come to a halt in Upper Park Road in the “feud” with females fighting and how people in Ballyspillane needed to walk around their estate with CCTV, such was the threat level between families.

Inspector John Kelly asked each of the eight women withdrawing charges yesterday if they were doing so out of their own “free will” and they each replied this was the case. Judge Waters also satisfied himself the complainants had not been under pressure to withdraw evidence. The State also withdrew a number of charges.

Convictions against two women in December were also not proceeded with and no sentence handed down.

Inspector Kelly said gardai wanted to reassure the public that they were maintaining a presence in Ballyspillane and any incidents or infringement would be met with the full rigour of the law.

A fresh allegation of a threat to kill by 34-year-old Daniel O’Brien of Piercetown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, is to proceed, the court heard.

Mr O’Brien is alleged to have made a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick O’Brien (otherwise known as Sexy) and this threat was made to Margaret Avanzo intending her to believe it would be carried out on December 22 last at Ballyspillane, Killarney.

He made “no reply” when charged on Thursday, the court heard.

Ms Avanzo was not withdrawing her evidence, the court heard.

However, Inspector John Kelly said “conscious of what has gone on here this morning” the State would not seek to remand Mr O'Brien in custody and would be seeking conditions attached to bail.

Judge David Waters remanded Daniel O'Brien to appear again on March 3. The conditions include that he is to abide by a curfew in Kildare and is not to enter Kerry unless in connection with his case.

His solicitor Padraig O’Connell assured Judge Waters his client “will leave Killarney once the bond is signed”.

 

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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