Connect with us

News

Parkinson’s sufferer calls for specialist nurses for Kerry

Published

on

Parkinson's sufferer Connie Doolan from Kilcummin. Photo: Michelle Crean

“We are being forgotten about”

By Michelle Crean

A Kilcummin man who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease says patients in Kerry have been begging for funding for 10 years for specialist nurses – but their pleas are being ignored.
Currently there are no nurses available in the county for Parkinson’s sufferers, and Connie Doolan (62), who was diagnosed with the disease in 2010, says many patients feel left out in the cold.
Connie, who is Chair of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland South Kerry branch, is lending his voice for more specialised care for Kerry patients – following a national protest outside Leinster House in Dublin yesterday (Thursday), as part of World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness Week this week.
Although many from Kerry couldn’t travel due to the complexity of their illness, protesters say that the Government has failed to provide core funding to the Parkinson’s Association.
Connie says that in Kerry repeated attempts for funding from the HSE over the years has fallen on deaf ears.
“We know there’s no cure for it,” Connie told the Killarney Advertiser this week.
“We’re fighting for a nurse for 10 years and they’re giving us the run around. They keep saying they’ll look into it. We wrote to the HSE again in November but they never got back to us. We feel left out completely – forgotten about – it’s ridiculous. They have nurses for every other disease.”
He said that access to services is limited for Parkinson’s patients, but having a nurse who could call to people’s homes would give people some relief.
His group hold monthly meetings in the meeting room at the Church of the Resurrection in Killarney, and on Monday night dietician Elaine Walsh gave a talk on nutrition. However, he says more needs to be done to help them.
“There’s people out there who don’t come to the meetings. It would be a relief to have a nurse allocated to Kerry who could call to their homes.”

Advertisement

News

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 […]

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

Published

on

By

The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport