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Tom celebrates his 100th birthday

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CELEBRATING: Tom O'Connell from Ross Road, pictured with his son Ger, is celebrating this week after turning 100-years-old. Photo Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

COVID put a halt to any party plans - but that didn't stop Tom O'Connell from Ross Road celebrating his milestone birthday on Wednesday when he turned 100-years-old.

It was certainly a day to remember however, as not only did he receive a cheque from President Michael D Higgins, but also had many calls, cards and good wishes throughout the day. He even had a small celebration with close family, where he enjoyed some a cake and a few drinks.

His own father lived to a great age and passed away just six months shy of turning 100.

And, the secret to long-life is "to take the world easy and not to be doing the fool", he told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I'm usually in bed before 10pm, and enjoy the odd drop of Guinness."

Tom was born in Meelkilly, Abbeyfeale on January 27, 1921. He worked as a manager in Currans Creamery and lived in Currans for 40 years. Then, in retirement, he and his wife Mary, who sadly passed away 18 months ago, settled in Killarney, in Scrahan Mews on Ross Road. The couple have four adult children Ger, Noel, Margaret and Joe, as well as three grandchildren Thomas, Eoin and Maeve.

"I was mad about Killarney, there is just something about it," he said.

Life for the past year has been tough on everyone but for Tom he said that although it means less visitors to avoid contracting the virus, he really hasn't been too bothered about it.

"[COVID], it takes no part in my life. Visitors have had to stay away as the bloody thing is too dangerous."

And asked if he'll take the vaccine, he said he would when it's available.

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Chamber pays tribute to late Dick Henggeler

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has expressed condolences following the death of Dick Henggeler, the well-known owner of The Rose Hotel in Tralee. Mr Henggeler passed away peacefully at […]

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has expressed condolences following the death of Dick Henggeler, the well-known owner of The Rose Hotel in Tralee.

Mr Henggeler passed away peacefully at his home in Baltimore, USA surrounded by his Aghadoe-born wife Eibhlin (née Moriarty), their son Franz, and other family members.
Dick and Eibhlin purchased The Rose Hotel in 2015 in tribute to their late daughter Dorothy, who represented Washington DC in the 2011 Rose of Tralee Festival.
The Chamber said Mr Henggeler would be remembered for his warmth, good nature and positive approach, as well as for being a forward-thinking and knowledgeable businessman.
“He knew how to run a good hotel and that was and still is very obvious at The Rose Hotel, which is a great success story,” the Chamber said.
It added that continuity of ownership will remain in place, with Eibhlin, Franz, daughter-in-law Amber, and grandchildren Conrad and Rowan continuing to honour Dick’s legacy and vision for the hotel.
“Dick took enormous personal pride in Tralee and all of Kerry and he was always available to generously support any community initiative or endeavour undertaken in Killarney,” the Chamber said.
“He will be greatly missed by all that knew him but he leaves a wonderful legacy.”

He will repose at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney, on Friday (October 17), from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The funeral will arrive at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday morning at 10:00am for Requiem Mass at 10:30am, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Cemetery. The Requiem Mass will be live streamed at https://www.churchservices.tv/killarneycathedral.

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Beaufort Film Night returns with French drama-comedy

Beaufort Film Night will return on Friday (October 17) at Cullina National School, with a screening of the French drama-comedy The Marching Band. The film tells the story of Thibaut, […]

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Beaufort Film Night will return on Friday (October 17) at Cullina National School, with a screening of the French drama-comedy The Marching Band.

The film tells the story of Thibaut, a successful conductor recently diagnosed with leukaemia. A search for a bone marrow donor reveals that he was adopted and has a brother, Jimmy, a cafeteria worker.
The two meet, discover a shared love of music, and form a strong bond through an unexpected collaboration with Jimmy’s workplace band.
The Marching Band (French title En Fanfare) will screen at 8.30pm. Admission is €7, cash only, and will cover the motion picture licence fee.
The film has a 12A rating and is in French with English subtitles.
Beaufort Film Night is a non-profit community group that screens cultural English and international films that usually do not receive general release in Kerry.
The event is supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office and Access Cinema. Cullina National School is providing the venue.
Further details are available on Beaufort Film Night’s Facebook page @BeaufortFilmNight.

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