Connect with us

News

SmallTalk: Adam talks to inspirational Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell

Published

on

“The one thing that motivates me every day is knowing that people are behind me and I’m being supported.” 

SmallTalk

Adam Moynihan caught up with inspirational Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell

to chat about his teammates, coming home and meeting Conor McGregor 

Well Ian. Welcome home.

Thank you.

How are you finding life back in Killarney?

I’m delighted. It’s different but it’s good.

Since your accident, the people here really seem to have rowed in behind you. How important has that been?

It’s unreal seeing the support. The one thing that motivates me every day is knowing that people are behind me and I’m being supported.

You met Conor McGregor recently… What was he like in person?

Very nice and very laid back. He stayed with me for 45 minutes. It was the best night of my life. Some people make him out to be very bad but when you meet him it’s a different story.

You’ve played football, soccer and hurling with Spa, Celtic, the Crokes and the Sem so I have a few questions about your teammates… Who would you least like to get stuck in a lift with?

Michael Horgan. Number one: he hates elevators. Number two: he’d panic and I’d just be trying to calm him down.

Who’s the biggest moaner?

Connie Cremin. He’d kick a ball wide and he’d say the laces were a bit out.

Who’s the worst dressed?

Diarmuid O’Donoghue.

What does he wear?

You could see him wearing crazy colours. Things like green bottoms and a big, bright pink top.

Who spends the most time in the gym?

Am I able to say myself?

You can.

Before my accident I used to go to the gym a load.

Who’s the best player you’ve ever played with?

Probably Cian Murphy. He’s a very good footballer.

And the best athlete?

I would say Conor Sheahan. He plays rugby with Munster.

Who’s your toughest ever opponent?

Paul O’Shea from Kilcummin.

What’s your proudest sporting moment?

Back under 14 I scored four goals for the Crokes hurlers.

That’s some going…

Yeah. I was very happy with that!

And the most embarrassing?

I was playing football one time and the ref threw the ball up for the second half. We won the hop and I got it and I kicked it straight into the other team’s full forward line. I forgot we switched sides at half time!

Haha… If you could meet any three sportspeople, living or dead, who would they be? I suppose you’ve already met one of them…

Yeah I’ve already met McGregor. I’d like to meet Marcus Rashford and Shane Long.

What are your five favourite sports in order?

Football, hurling, the gym, MMA and I like swimming as well.

What’s the best sporting moment of all time?

McGregor lifting the two belts.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t let something someone else said stop you from reaching your dream.

Do you have any nicknames?

Big Head.

Haha… Who gave you that one?

I don’t know who actually gave it to me but it seemed to get around the school fast!

Do you have any superstitions?

Don’t put new shoes on a table.

Yeah? That’s a strange one!

I’m a big believer of that. I got new shoes the other day. I hadn’t even worn them and the mother put them on the table. I nearly stood up to take them off!

What’s your favourite song at the moment?

Havana by Camila Cabello.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Eddie Murphy.

Haha… Okay, last one: can you tell me a joke?

My friend goes around breaking up fights in Dublin. His name is Liam Malone.

Haha… Not bad! Thanks for coming in, Ian.

No bother.

Advertisement

News

Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

Published

on

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

Continue Reading

News

Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

Published

on

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport