News
The life and legacy of Vicky Phelan celebrated at poignant event
The life and legacy of the late Vicky Phelan was celebrated in poignant style in Tralee at the weekend as local cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, hosted the Kerry stage of the nationwide Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour.
The Tralee-based charity joined forces with portrait owner David Brennan and friends and family of the late cervical cancer campaigner for the two-day awareness raising initiative, which was kindly hosted by MTU Kerry and supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance.
The Sólás Centre at MTU’s North Campus was the location for the weekend’s activities, which began on Friday night with an emotional, but hugely inspirational unveiling of the portrait by owner and lifelong friend of Vicky, David Brennan.
In front of an audience of over 100 invited guests, including some of Vicky’s friends and parents John and Gaby, David gave an empowering insight into every aspect of the stunning portrait, beautifully detailing the symbolism of each section.
Another of Vicky’s friends, John Wall, was also there to speak about who he called ‘Vicky the person’ and, like David, offered a wonderful insight into exactly the kind of woman Vicky Phelan was, away from her media persona.
Deirdre Walsh of Radio Kerry was also on hand to moderate a fascinating panel discussion with prominent cancer awareness advocates, including 221+ campaigners Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill Forde, as well as inspiring 18-year-old Roísín Ní Chadhla – BT Young Scientist and Student Public Health Researcher.
Recovery Haven Kerry Chairperson Tim McSwiney and Dr Brendan O’Donnell, MTU Registrar, both spoke eloquently on behalf of their organisations, in welcoming the tour to Kerry.
As part of the weekend’s programme, the stunning portrait was also on public display at the Sólás Centre on Saturday morning, where, once again, David Brennan, explained its origins and meaning behind it. The previous night’s speakers and Vicky’s parents were once again present for Saturday morning’s event, which was attended by over 60 people.
“Given the nature of our work in supporting those with cancer and their families, we are honoured to have been part of this special and very moving event which celebrates the legacy of a remarkable woman and continues her work of raising awareness and the importance of self-advocacy,” said Recovery Haven Kerry manager, Gemma Fort.
“We are extremely grateful for the co-operation of MTU Kerry, particularly the Department of Nursing and Healthcare Studies under the leadership of Dr Gerardina Harnett, and the support of Tralee Chamber Alliance and many other local businesspeople and community groups.”
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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