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Sheep Mops for Killarney National Park

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An ingenious system to reduce the prevalence of ticks that carry Lyme disease, in Killarney National Park, has been put forward by Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill at this month's meeting of Kerry County Council.

Councillor Cahill has proposed that the Minister for Agriculture urgently investigate the effectiveness of a scheme introduced in the Scottish Moors, whereby sheep, having been regularly dipped to eradicate the ticks that carry Lyme disease were allowed graze there.

"This would reduce the spread of these dangerous ticks to humans," he said.

“These ‘Sheep Mops’ as they are known, could be used in Killarney National Park as a method of preventing this horrible, debilitating disease.
A man, who describes himself as a ‘Lyme Survivor’, recalled t when there were 3,000 sheep in the National Park. I believe it could be a very simple, cost effective project to introduce and apparently it has been an amazing success on the Scottish Moors."

“Dr John Lambert, who is an expert in the area of Lyme disease in Ireland, informed me that many GP's are not aware or informed of the symptoms of Lyme. He said that the HSE do not keep records of those effected in this country, in the United Kingdom, in Germany or any other known location. Dr Lambert said that the figure may be as high as 2,500 affected every year but we don't know,” said the Rossbeigh based Councillor.

“The figure is 70,000 in both Germany and France every year. Testing is not perfect and there is not a good understanding of it. Dr Lambert said that prevention and early intervention is critical. He said that wooden ‘Beware of Ticks’ signs should be erected in all Parks and areas where deer are present”, added Cahill.

“Finally, I would like again to call on the HSE to introduce testing and treatment at University Hospital Kerry as the numbers of cases are continuing to rise in both Kerry and Cork and from what we know the figures are higher in the Southern part of Ireland than the rest of the country," he told the meeting.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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