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Pat thankful no one hurt in house fire

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By Michelle Crean

A much loved Killarney hairdresser - whose house was destroyed following a devastating fire - has thanked the public for their support.

Still recovering from the shock, Pat O'Neill also issued a warning to homeowners to check their contents insurance - as he and his wife Geraldine have been left with a big bill as they repair the damage including ceilings which caved in.Fire crews rushed to the scene in Ballaugh during the daytime on Thursday, July 29 after his 12-year-old son Finn ran to the neighbours barefoot for help with the family's two dogs.

"I was at work and Finn was at home lying on the carpet on his iPad when he saw smoke. He ran out barefoot and alerted the neighbours. Geraldine had gone to collect our son Luke who is working in Scotts for the summer," Pat told the Killarney Advertiser. "The kitchen is gone, everything inside has to be thrown out. "The den area was also totally destroyed including ceilings and it could take up to nine months before they can return to live there.He said that it all happened so fast but is "thankful" no one was hurt.

In the meantime, he, Geraldine and their children, Finn, Lara (14) and Luke (16) are staying in a nearby home owned by one of their neighbours.

"We did get a fright but there's always someone worse off than you."

He issued a word of advice to homeowners to have their insurance up to date. "We're under insured. You take it out years ago and it comes about every year and rolls over. For an extra €45 or so, the price of a meal, is all it costs. It could have been a lot worse."

However, he said some things are irreplaceable including oil paintings of his father and his football memorabilia. He also thanked his neighbours for their quick action and the fire crews for their help.

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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