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Surge of support for fundraiser for injured teen

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GAA CLUBS and other sporting organisations on both sides of the Kerry/Cork border are joining forces to help a teenager who sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident and his family.

Ian O’Connell, aged 16, of Pinewood Estate, Killarney, suffered damage to his neck and spine after falling from his bike in the Muckross area of Killarney National Park, on August 16 last. He is currently being treated in Dublin’s Mater Hospital.

The St Brendan’s College student is a juvenile footballer with Spa GAA club, a hurler with Dr Crokes and also plays with Killarney Celtic soccer club.

Spa GAA club has organised a special lotto fundraiser, the Ian O’Connell Benefit Fund, for Ian and his family and offers of support are pouring in. The lotto draw will take place at the Torc Hotel, Killarney, on Sunday, October 15, with a jackpot prize of €2000.

Ian’s father, Mike, is a native of Boherbue, Co Cork, and the Boherbue club is also foregoing its regular weekly lotto and holding a special lotto instead to aid the fund.

The chairman of the Spa fundraising committee, James Gleeson, said they were ‘’absolutely stunned’’ at the level of support being received from several sporting organisations and the general public.

It is understood Ian faces a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation to regain mobility.

The lotto tickets are already on sale and any individuals, or clubs, willing to sell tickets are asked to contact the Spa club which will arrange for delivery. Tickets cost €5 each.

Also, a bank account has been set up at AIB, Main St, Killarney, to receive donations: Account Name: Ian O'Connell Fund; Account Number: 64056025; Sort Code: 936332; BIC: AIBKIE2D; IBAN: IE24AIBK93633264056025.

A GoFund Me page has also been set up. All money raised will go directly to Ian and his family.

The Spa club is hoping other sports clubs and members of the community will help sell tickets or contribute towards the fundraising drive.


Above: The Spa committee with Ian's dad Mick O'Connell, Adrian O'Sullivan, Paul Casey, Deirdre O'Sullivan Darcy, Assumpta O'Donoghue,
Tadgh Hickey, Ivor Flynn, Mick O'Connell and Fintan Lawlor.

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Heartbeat to host self-care workshop ahead of festive season

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Heartbeat Killarney will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 25, at 8pm in the Parish Centre on Park Road.

The guest speaker for the evening is Michelle Foley, HSE Health Promotion Officer, who will deliver a one-hour workshop on the benefits of self-care and practical ways to include it in daily routines.


The group says the session is timely as the festive period often brings increased risks to heart health due to overeating, excess alcohol, smoking, vaping, higher stress levels and reduced sleep.


A question-and-answer segment will follow the workshop, with tea, coffee and an opportunity to chat afterwards.

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Killarney’s very own Polar Express

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A magical new addition to the Christmas in Killarney parades this year will be a magnificent Polar Express-style train engine that has been designed and built by the members of the Killarney Classic and Vintage Club.

It will be a spectacular feature of the four festive parades that will wind their way through the streets every Saturday night from November 29 to December 20.
The organisers will dedicate the Christmas in Killarney Express to a deserving child on each of the Saturday nights and, not only will they get to board the engine float for the parade, with a wonderful vantage point for the celebrations, the dream machine will also be named in their honour for the night they are chosen.


It is envisaged the children that will benefit will have beaten the odds in their own determined way having encountered some difficulties or issues in their young lives.


They will get to experience the true spirit of Christmas in what promises to be a wonderful, unforgettable, magical way that will linger in the memory forever.


The Killarney Classic and Vintage Club has teamed up with the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Christmas in Killarney sub-committee for the big event and generous sponsorship for the building and decoration of the Christmas in Killarney Express was provided by Paul Fitzgerald and Son Building Supplies in Coolcaslagh.


In addition to featuring in the parades, the chosen children and their families will join the organisers and sponsors for a fun-filled Christmas party on the final parade night and some great gifts will await.

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