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Variety concert for Comfort for Chemo

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VARIETY CONCERT: At the launch of the fundraising variety concert in aid for Comfort for Chemo Kerry in the Heights Hotel, Killarney from front l-r: Geraldine and Maurice Guilfoyle, Cora Walsh and Mary Fitzgerald. Back l-r: Bernard and Collette O'Riordan and Jason Doyle. Photo: Marek Hajdasz

By Sean Moriarty

 

A kind-hearted Kilcummin couple have decided against holding a joint 60th birthday and will instead run a variety concert in aid of Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

 

Launched in July, the new charity hopes to develop a Centre of Excellence to provide care for cancer patients in Kerry and their families. It is hoped this will take the form of a separate purpose-built unit on the grounds of UHK.

 

One of its first fundraising drives is a variety concert which will be held at the Killarney Heights Hotel on November 16.

 

Maurice Guilfoyle and his wife Geraldine, who is a cancer survivor, are the main organisers. They originally hoped to hold a joint 60th birthday celebration but have decided to place their efforts into a concert that will feature Killarney School of Music, Killarney Golf Club Choir and other local performers.

 

Maurice and Geraldine were originally hoping to celebrate their birthdays in the summer but the unavailability of musicians put the plan on the long-finger.

 

“We don’t mind one bit giving up our birthday,” Geraldine told the Killarney Advertiser. “A lot of people feel this time of the year is a time for giving and the support we are getting from volunteers and from musicians is just unbelievable – it is amazing for something that was very small starting off.”

 

Chairperson of  the charity, Mary Fitzgerald, told the Killarney Advertiser she is very grateful to Geraldine for thinking of them.

“She has been through it all and has seen exactly why we need such facilities in Tralee. She is giving up what could be her own celebration so we can continue to raise funds for the new unit.”

 

The charity has a number of patrons lending their help along with a hard working committee. Patrons so far include Radio Kerry presenter Elaine Kinsella, Gaelic football legend Maurice Fitzgerald, Munster and Irish Rugby legend Mick Galwey and Listowel writer Billy Keane.

 

 

 

 

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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