Connect with us

News

Shaq remembered as a “Killarney treasure”

Published

on

0278561_St_Pauls_Inter_win_31.JPG

The town came to a standstill on Tuesday as a man described as everyone’s friend was laid to rest.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Caoimhín ‘Shaq' O'Donoghue passed away on May 9 after a short illness.
The Ardshanavooley man was a much-loved character who was best known for his role in security and guest relations in the towns hospitality sector.
However, his life transcended all aspects of town life, from the hospitality sector to sports clubs.
The lifelong member of St Paul’s Basketball club was called after NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal – a reference to Caoimhín’s stature.
Dr Crokes GAA Club was his other passion.
Members of both St Paul’s and the GAA club provided a guard of honour as his funeral cortege left St Mary’s Cathedral.
The Liverpool FC anthem ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ echoed in the background as mourners huddled in the spring rain to pay their final respects.
Motorcycles were his other love and looked forward to attending the Killarney BikeFest each June. His motorbike friends provided a cavalcade along the streets of his home town.
He was a popular figure amongst guests and colleagues at the Killarney Park Hotel where he worked as a porter.
His requiem mass was led by Fr Kieran O’Brien.
"He was well-liked and respected and he left a mark and a void that can’t be filled,” Fr O’Brien told the congregation.
"He was everyone’s friend and he had time for everyone.”
Moving and emotionally charged tributes poured in for the charismatic and dedicated Killarney sportsman who was laid to rest in Aghadoe Cemetery on Tuesday.
A former teammate in both codes and lifelong friend Brian Clarke, remarked: “Shaq cheered up each person he met along his path in life. His likes are so seldom to be found – just a pure, down-to-earth Killarney treasure.”
Another close friend and former teammate, Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan, said:
“Caoimhín was a marvellous person, so positive and great fun and his loss is just devastating."
He added that he has many happy memories of Caoimhin from basketball trips that they went on.
Another great pal and former teammate, James Weldon, described Caoimhín as an incredible man.
“He loved to chat basketball at any opportunity and was so insightful on how he thought about the game and life in general,” he said.
Former All-Ireland winning Kerry manager and Dr Crokes coach Pat O’Shea, who also played National League Basketball with Shaq, described him as an extremely knowledgeable sports coach and an equally talented player.
“A gentle giant, he was a friend to everyone,” he said.
St Paul’s Basketball Club Chairman, Paul Sheehan, who coached Caoimhín from a young age, said everybody was devastated to hear of his untimely passing.
“Caoimhín served the club in so many roles with distinction, as a player, coach and officer, and he will be greatly missed,” Paul said.
Kerry GAA Chairman and fellow Dr Crokes clubman, Patrick O’Sullivan, said that Caoimhín was a gentle giant who never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Former Mayor of Killarney and neighbour, Seán O’Grady, described Caoimhín as a great ambassador for Killarney. “He has gone on much too soon,” he said.
Former GAA President Seán Kelly MEP said he was sad to learn of Caoimhín’s death. He was a student of Kelly’s in St Brendan’s College over 30 years ago.
“Caoimhín was a lovely guy with a heart of gold,” said the MEP.
The son of Margaret and the late Timmie O’Donoghue, Caoimhín is survived by his mother, brothers Shane, Cormac and Timothy, sister Sheena, extended family, colleagues and a large circle of friends.

Advertisement

News

Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

Published

on

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

Continue Reading

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

Last News

Sport