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Perfect New Year gift as Alexis gets her new van

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By Sean Moriarty

The parents of a seriously ill Killarney girl will today (Friday) receive the best New Year gift as they collect their new, specially adapted car from a specialist fitter in Cork.

Alexis suffers from a rare primary metabolic condition called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency which has led to a brain abnormality called Ventriculomegaly as well as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, double hip displacement, cortical visual impairment and sleeping difficulties.

Her parents Steve and Teresa are her 24 hour carers and last September, through a trustee, organised a GoFundMe campaign to help the family buy a new car as Alexis had simply grown out of their existing vehicle.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Killarney and beyond the O’Mahony family will, today, collect a brand new Ford Tourneo people carrier.

The van is currently in Southern Mobility Solutions’ workshop in Cork where specialist staff are putting the finishing touches, including fitting a wheelchair ramp.

It was a race against time for the family as they needed to register the new van before December 31 to avoid new revenue and carbon tax rules which came into effect at the start of the year.

This alone saved the best part of €7,000 but as a result their new van will carry a 2020 registration plate.

The O’Mahony family bought the van from Killarney Autos where another stroke of luck saved them another load of money.

A Tipperary-based family had left a wheelchair lift at Killarney Autos and when they heard about the O’Mahony’s plight they offered their old ramp, free of charge, to the local family.

“I can’t thank Killarney Autos and, especially, salesman Kevin Donnelly, who did so much for us,” Steve told the Killarney Advertiser. “It was a stroke of luck that Kevin dealt with the Tipperary family and a few phone calls later we learned that they had donated the ramp to us. It was unbelievable.”

A committee, made up of five people and who are not related to Alexis’ parents, made all the financial decisions ahead of the purchase of the new van.

“The purchase would not have been possible only for support we got locally and internationally,” added Steve, whose wife Teresa is Polish.

The Frydman Community Charity donated a large sum of money, largely from its American branch, to the trustees. The charity named after Teresa’s home village in Poland, is made up of emigrants who are now settled all over the world.

The O’Mahony family thanked the following for their fundraising efforts: Radio Kerry, Beauty by Aga, Flares Gymnastics Club, The Kerry Association London, singer Mary Culloty O’Sullivan, Halo Hair Salon, Molly and Grace from Killarney who made and sold Christmas decorations, The Christmas Market, online DJs and musicians, Natalie Russel Zumba, Harvey Norman Tralee, artist Dzana Bukvic and Tiny Creations, Zumba Salsa Tralee, and the Curious Cat. Additionally Vodafone – The Kerry Phone Centre, made a separate donation to the BUMBLEance children’s ambulance via the Vodafone Ireland Foundation.

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Generous public raises over €1,400 at Christmas Day Goal Mile

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day. The annual fundraiser, which took place in […]

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Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

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Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

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Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

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