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Take tiny steps to help premature babies

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KERRY parents are being invited to put on their walking shoes for premature babies with the launch of a very special walk to raise funds for the Neonatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Abby and Seamus O’Leary from Ballymakeera, Co Cork, who have family in Kilgarvan, last week celebrated the first birthday of their twins, who have had a difficult year after being born at just 28 weeks.

The family are hosting a walk at the Top of Coom on March 19 to say thanks for all the support they received since the birth of the twins and to say a special thanks to the Neonatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Abimay and Gerard were born on February 25, 2016. Gerard weighed only 1lb 11oz while Abimay was 2lb 6oz when they came into the world over three months early.

Due to complications with the pregnancy and fears that baby Gerard would not survive a decision was taken to induce Abbey at just 28 weeks.

“We were told at 25 weeks that Gerard may not make it so for the next three weeks I went for a scan twice a week to see was he and his twin both alive.”

“It was such a traumatic and difficult time. We didn’t know what would happen,” recalls Abby.
Following their birth the twins were immediately rushed to the neonatal unit at Cork University Hospital.

“It was terrifying when they were born. They were so small and we didn’t even know if they would survive. ”

The twins, who both suffered from heart conditions and underdeveloped lungs, remained in the unit for almost three months before they came home.

During that time Abby and her husband, Seamus, who also have a 14-year old daughter, Monica, spent every moment with their new additions to their family. Abimay was allowed home after 10 weeks and Gerard after 13 weeks.

Last week the twins, who have since both undergo heart surgery, celebrated their first birthday and are looking forward to a bright future.

Having seen first-hand the care at the neonatal unit the couple now want to give back to say thanks for all the help they received.

They have launched "Tiny Steps for Preemie Babies” which is a 5k and 10k fun run at the Top of Coom pub next Sunday, March 19, at 12pm. There are two routes – a 5k and 10k both starting at the Top of Coom Bar and crossing the border from Kerry into Cork and back again.

More details can be found on the Facebook event page Tiny Steps for Preemie Babies.
 


 
Eileen Creedon, Abby and Seamus O’Leary and their twins, Abimay and Gerard and daughter, Monica.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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