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Restricted visiting at UHK as COVID cases increase

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University Hospital Kerry (UHK) is restricting visitations due to a surge in COVID cases as well as a high volume of people presenting at the Emergency Department.

Due to increased infection control measures, the hospital has said that it has to make some difficult decisions about visiting, in order to protect patients, their relatives and staff.

From tomorrow (Tuesday), visiting to University Hospital Kerry is restricted as follows:

General Wards: UHK is asking the public not to visit the hospital other than in end of life situations and other exceptional circumstances [to be agreed with the ward manager and relevant consultant, in advance of visiting]. Children in particular should not visit the hospital.

Maternity: Accompanying partner arrangements unchanged presently.
Palliative: Visiting will be by prior agreement only, in order to protect patients and staff.

The situation will be reviewed by the hospital outbreak team on an on-going basis and any changes will be advised, a statement read.

"University Hospital Kerry understands that this announcement will make it difficult for many families, however the hospital’s priority is to continue to maintain the safety and well-being of patients, members of the public and staff at the hospital."

The hospital would like to remind the public that UHK has in place some alternative means of keeping contact with loved ones:

Keeping Contact Initiative: UHK has set up a specific email address so that patients can receive direct messages from people thinking of them. Letters from friends and family can be of great comfort to patients during these times. Email your letter to uhk.keepingcontact@hse.ie. Be sure to include in the subject line the patient’s full name, ward name (if known) and the first line of the patient’s home address.

Virtual Visits: Video call using WhatsApp (For patients who do not have SMART phone/devices). UHK have an initiative to facilitate these calls using Digipads. Please contact Ward Manager/Nurse in Charge to request a video call with your loved one.

"All appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection among staff and patients."

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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