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Shaq remembered as a “Killarney treasure”

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

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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.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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