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Publicans fear a different landscape post Coronavirus

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By Sean Moriarty

Life after the current Coronavirus pandemic will be very different for tourism - particularly pubs - according to two well-known Killarney bar owners.

Pubs were the first to be asked to close as the country strived to contain the spread of the virus, but it looks likely to be the last type of business to be allowed to re-open.

Publicans say they agree with the current measures to protect the health of the country’s citizens, but their thoughts are already turning to measures they will need to take once they are given the green light to reopen.

Patrick O’Sullivan, who runs the Tatler Jack on Plunkett St, is calling for a Government-led aid package to stimulate growth in the sector.

“There has to be a package and it needs to come from the Government and be trashed out with the Vintners Federation,” he said. “There will have to be a lot of thought put into it."

He also says any delay in reopening pubs will only further postpone the tourist season as he feels Killarney’s nightlife is equally part the tourist package as the scenery and other attractions.

“Pubs are part of the jigsaw and we can’t finish the puzzle with a piece missing,” he said. “If we don’t have the full jigsaw, we won’t have the footfall and everyone will suffer.”

Kate O’Leary who runs the Laurels Bar and Restaurant at Market Cross has similar concerns.

“Pubs are part of our unique selling point and this is why so many people come here from all over the world,” she said. “Struggling pubs should be assisted – they are fundamental to our tourism.”

Both publicans are calling for better Government direction, in terms of preparations and what are they allowed do when they do re-open.

“Can I open the restaurant and service it from the bar?” she asked. “How will we manage social distancing in a bar? Some people outside will decide themselves if a place is too busy and won’t enter, and the days being wedged into an Irish pub could change, people won’t be comfortable to be elbow-to-elbow in a bar.”

Kate also raised concerns about potential claims against owners of a public building if a cure cannot be found for COVID-19 and if someone takes legal action after they, potentially, catch the virus in such a building.

“We live in a very litigious society, we are at risk of being open to claims,” she added.

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Irish feature film set for Killarney cinema debut

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A new feature film, created by Irish writer and director Liam O Mochain, is set for release in Killarney next Friday, November 7.

Mr O Mochain said he is delighted to bring ABODE to a Killarney audience following its sold out world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh and a screening at the recent IndieCork film festival.

ABODE is a feature film with five stories connected by the theme of home and what it means to the different characters in the film.

It shows that home has an importance and a different meaning for everyone.

In ABODE, everyone wants to belong somewhere. The film was shot over a three-year period and finished in early 2025.

O Mochain says that the stories are a mix of drama and comedy, inspired by true stories, events or incidents.

It is set on the theme of home which is very relevant today.

Ryan Lincoln, Sophie Vavessuer, and Liam O Mochain are among the cast.

ABODE is O Mochain’s fourth feature film. His 2017 feature film ‘Lost & Found’ screened at festivals around the world from the Galway Film Fleadh to the Austin Film Festival

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Local pharmacies restock Lions ‘Message in a Bottle’

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Killarney pharmacies are restocked with ‘Message in a Bottle’, an initiative by Killarney Lions Club.

It is a small plastic container, available free of charge, with an information form which people can fill out with their basic medical details for use by Paramedics, Gardaí, Fire-fighters and first responders in an emergency.

Once the information form is complete, the bottle should be placed in the fridge.

Self-adhesive green cross labels should be put on the front door of the home and on the fridge so that first responders know its there.

Bottles are available at the following pharmacies: Allcare (New St.), Boots (Deerpark), CarePlus+ (Park Rd.), Kennelly’s (Reeks and New St.), Reens Life (Plunkett St.), O’Sullivan’s (New St.), Sewell’s (New St.), Sheahan’s (Main St.), Trants (Park Rd.) and Aherns Farranfore.

Jason Higgins, President of Killarney Lions Club, said that the initiative has been very well received to date as hundreds of people are already using the bottles.

He said: “We just want to make sure everyone who wants a bottle can get one, so the support from the pharmacies is fantastic and if it helps even just one person to get the help they need more quickly and effectively, it is well worth it.”

More information about the Message in a Bottle initiative can be found on the Lions Ireland website: https://lionsclubs.ie/service/message-in-a-bottle/

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