Connect with us

News

Could there be a Presidential salute for hit show ‘Patrick’?

Published

on

The drama Patrick returns to the INEC for one night only on October 27. PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY

A

AN INVITATION has been sent to the President of Ireland to attend the upcoming production of 'Patrick' in Killarney. On behalf of the cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Councillor Brendan Cronin, an invitation has today issued to President Michael D Higgins to a performance of the musical drama at the INEC on Thursday, October 27, at 8pm. A response from the President's office is awaited.

Theatregoers were overjoyed in recent weeks when it was announced that the hit drama was to return to the venue for one night only.

Written and directed by local author and journalist Aidan O’Connor, the musical drama tells the moving story of the final months of the life of Patrick O’Connor from Rathmore – one of the four Kerry men to die during the six-day rebellion during Easter, 1916.

The play sold out six shows earlier this year and over 3,000 people came to see the production when last staged at the INEC in May.

Despite several requests to take ‘Patrick’ to other venues around Kerry, Dublin, and London, the October 27 date will be the final showing of the hugely successful amateur production.

A civic reception is to be awarded by Kerry County Council to the cast and crew later this year.

Writer Aidan O’Connor said that the reaction to ‘Patrick’ has been phenomenal. “The script, the story and the remarkable talent of the actors and performers have moved people beyond all expectations. It’s powerful to see history come so alive,” he said.

The managing director of the Gleneagle Group and the INEC, Patrick O’Donoghue, said: “This is a fantastic production and a brilliant musical drama. We are thrilled Aidan and crew have decided to return to the INEC after an extremely successful run in May.”

A matinee performance will be held for students on October 27 at 11am. The show that night is at 8pm. For details on tickets, contact the INEC Box Office; telephone 064-6671555.
 


 
The drama Patrick returns to the INEC for one night only on October 27. PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY

Advertisement

News

Killarney welcomes home Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin

Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was […]

Published

on

Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was crowned Irish Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady was on hand to officially welcome the new champion home, congratulating him on what he described as “a proud moment for Killarney and for Kerry sport.”
Cronin, who is sponsored by Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar, claimed the vacant national title after a hard-fought ten-round battle against Cork’s Cathal Crowley at the National Stadium, Dublin, on Friday night last.
The Kerry fighter won by majority decision, with the judges scoring the contest 95-94, 97-93 and 95-95. The result capped off years of dedication and hard work for Cronin, who now holds an 11-3-1 professional record.
Speaking at the homecoming, Cronin thanked his supporters and sponsors for their backing throughout his career.
“It’s unbelievable to bring this title to Kerry,” he said. “The support from home means everything. This one’s for everyone who’s been with me from the start.”
Crowds packed into Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar to celebrate the achievement, with music, photos and plenty of local pride on display.

Continue Reading

News

Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

Published

on

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport