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Senator Paul Coughlan apologises for attending controversial golf event

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Former Killarney Senator Paul Coughlan has admitted to the Killarney Advertiser that he did attend the controversial golf outing in Clifden, County Galway last week but said he did so in good faith.

The event, organised by Oireachtas Golf Society, was attended by over 80 people including some of the biggest names in Irish politics.

It took place, last Wednesday night, August 19, the day after the Government announced a range of new restrictions in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The measures included a ban on spectators attending sporting events and a limit of six people socialising together indoors.

The Ballydowney politician, a former mayor of Killarney, retired from active politics ahead of this year’s General Election.

He was invited to attend last week’s golf outing and dinner as a former captain of the Oireachtas Golf Society.

The event caused widespread anger in a community who felt forced to live by different rules of the political elite. The fallout forced the resignation of Agricultural minister Dara Calleary and EU Commissioner Phil Hogan’s career is hanging by a thread.

Mr Coughlan refused to be drawn into the political controversy surrounding the event but did offer an apology.

“I am no longer in public life,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “I do apologise for being there and never set out to hurt anyone. I attended in good faith and I did not intend to cause any offence to anyone.”

Mr Coughlan shared a table with former RTE broadcaster Seán O’Rourke. Mr O’Rourke retired from the state broadcaster in May this year but was hoping to return with a Saturday morning political programme in coming weeks. That has now been cancelled as a result of his attendance at the event.

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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