News
SmallTalk: Adam talks to inspirational Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell
“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.
News
Dancing classes set to unite communities
By Michelle Crean There’s no language barrier when it comes to dancing – which is why one local group is organising classes to unite communities. KASI, the Killarney Immigrant Support […]
By Michelle Crean
There’s no language barrier when it comes to dancing – which is why one local group is organising classes to unite communities.
KASI, the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre, has teamed up with dance instructor John Moriarty to teach both Ukrainians and multiple cultures living in Kerry Irish set dancing steps from next week.
The first class will take place on Tuesday evenings, starting next week (September 27) at St Mary’s Parish Hall at 6.30pm and all are welcome to join.
The idea is to help Ukrainians living in Killarney and Kerry to come and have fun and get to know locals better, KASI coordinator, Marilyn Catapat-Counihan, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.
“We have a women’s group for all ages where we do crochet, sewing and art and crafts, where they can talk which is good. I had the music on and they were dancing. I asked if they would like to do dancing classes so I organised it with John Moriarty who is well known in Killarney.”
She added that the women are very excited to learn set dancing and get to know other people from the area.
“Sometimes when you meet new people the language can be a barrier and when you’re dancing everybody is moving. He will open it to everyone so there’ll be integration, it’s fun as well. They are all very excited.”
To find out more contact John on 086 1579381.
News
Multiple Sclerosis Walk celebrates 20 years
By Sean Moriarty The rising cost of fuel is already having a negative effect on charity events with some limiting numbers. On October 9, the annual Multiple Sclerosis South Kerryv Walk […]
By Sean Moriarty
The rising cost of fuel is already having a negative effect on charity events with some limiting numbers.
On October 9, the annual Multiple Sclerosis South Kerryv Walk takes place over the Old Kenmare Road.
First run in 2002, this year’s event will celebrate 20 years since its foundation but two years were lost as a result of the pandemic.
This year’s walk will be limited to 150 people – three coach loads – so event organisers can cut back on running costs.
It will only be possible to participate in this year’s event if walkers pre-register.
“Walkers must raise at least €40 to make it worthwhile,” organiser John O’Shea told the Killarney Advertiser.
“Spaces are limited, 150 people equals three coaches and we need smaller coaches to get into the start of the Old Kenmare Road as that is just a bog road. We have limited numbers for cost and operational reasons.”
Mr O’Shea thanked event sponsors O’Callaghan Coaches and The Gleneagle Hotel for their support of the event.
Registration forms can be obtained by calling John on 087 2348824.
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