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Ronan’s home in time for Christmas

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GOING HOME: Ronan Foley pictured with medical staff as he prepares to leave Crumlin Children's Hospital to return home in time for Christmas.

By Michelle Crean

It was the best present the Foley family could have ever wished for - having Ronan home in time for Christmas. The 15-year-old, who underwent hours of spinal surgery weeks ago to correct a 130 degree curve in his spine which he had waited almost two years for - finally got his wish to be at home with his family by Christmas.

His father Tony this week told the Killarney Advertiser that "it's like a weight has been lifted" off of the family.

"Each day he's getting better and better," Tony said. "It's like a fog has lifted for us. His weight is up to what it was before and he's singing again. He's back to his old self and we couldn't have asked for more."

Ronan underwent the operation three weeks ago, but is recovering faster than the family ever expected.
"He's is a bit sore but he's doing really well. He's now sitting up straight for up to two hours a day."

Tony explained that Ronan now has a 25 to 30 degree curve in his spine following the procedure.

"It's undetectable. It was 130 degrees when he got the surgery done - we only found this out the day after his operation."

It's now hoped, depending on restrictions in place and Ronan's progress that he can go back to St Francis Special School in the New Year.

"It's all COVID dependent. He'll have six weeks recovery by then and he has an appointment to review everything in Crumlin in January," Tony said.

And he added that he'd like to thank everyone who helped them publicise their campaign for 'Ronan's Op Now'.

"There's too many to thank individually but we couldn't have done it without everyone's support. Also, a huge thanks to Pat Kiely, Ronan's surgeon, and all his team in Crumlin."

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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