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Visual animation to help children with haemophilia

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A new animation which can be used as an education tool to help children with haemophilia has been created by Kerry students.

‘My Buddy Cormac’, is an informative and positive awareness animation about the condition and focuses on the experience and challenges faced by children when treatment in hospital is required.

It's a collaboration involving students from the Creative Media Department at the Kerry Munster Technological University, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, and the Irish Haemophilia Society.

Haemophilia describes a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a life-long
defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood. A child’s diagnosis is life-changing for both the child and the parents.

The story is told from the perspective of a child and it delivers an enlightening and creative take on events.

It's aimed at children aged between eight and 12, and will be made available on the CHI Crumlin and Irish Haemophilia Society websites.

The project was developed by MTU work placement students, Jack Finnerty (lead animator), Grace O’Shea, Jack Roche and Kate Mc Donnell (illustrators and storyboard artists) who are all studying a BA (Hons) in Animation, VFX and Motion Design at MTU.

Patrick Lynch, who was the script writer, music composer and sound designer on the project, is studying a BA (Hons) degree in Music Technology at the MTU Kerry campus.

“Working with people we deeply admire and respect and being part of a project that will bring awareness to this condition, while also imparting reassurance to young children and families experiencing the condition, has rendered 'My Buddy Cormac' a milestone in all of our careers,” Patrick said.

PROJECT: Patrick Lynch was the script writer, music composer and sound designer on the 'My Buddy Cormac' project.

BIG DIFFERENCE

The project was coordinated by lecturers Rosie Dempsey, who is the industry coordinator, and Marty Boylan, animation course leader.

They said the collaboration with Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin has been an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to real world problems, while also benefiting from the enriching experience of seeing first-hand the amazing work the medical team undertakes.

Dr Beatrice Nolan, Consultant Haematologist at CHI Crumlin, said the educational aid developed by the students will make a big difference to young children with haemophilia and their families.

“It will make learning more fun and enjoyable and help the child and family develop a deeper understanding of haemophilia and joint bleeds. It will be much easier for families to access this educational tool online and we hope to develop more in the future."

Brian O’Mahony, Chief Executive of the Irish Haemophilia Society, added that “this project provides information in a format which will be relevant to children with haemophilia and in language which is age appropriate".

This will be of great benefit in helping educate the children about their bleeding disorder.”

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New St author brings Fitzgerald’s story to life

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong […]

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Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong anecdotal evidence that the great American wordsmith had Kerry roots.

There has been suggestions that Fitzgerald’s family can traced to Horse Island off Ballinskelligs and research is ongoing to determine if the famous novelist, essayist and short story writer gave any indication of his Kerry connection during his lifetime.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, formerly of New Street, Killarney and now residing in Beaufort, is the author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman which was released in March to coincide with the 100th anniversary of publication of Fitzgerald’s most famous work.
O’Sullivan Greene’s research found that Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was initially deeply ashamed of his Irish connection but his views softened when he took an interest in revolutionary politics.
The Killarney man’s book guides the reader through F Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled upbringing, his quest for status, his ambivalence towards his Irish heritage, the socio-political climate of early 20th-century America and the careless jazz era excesses portrayed in The Great Gatsby.
The book peels back the intricate layers of Fitzgerald’s character, revealing the underlying themes of identity and self-rejection in his work, his shifting views of Irish issues and how his personal battles influenced his writing and contributed to his tragic life.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene will deliver what promises to be an engaging talk on the life and times of F Scott Fitzgerald in the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney on Thursday, July 3 at 6.45pm.
Part of the Celebration of Irish and American Friendship programme, the free lecture is titled Revolution, Rejection and Revival and it will mark a celebration of 100 years of The Great Gatsby.
The event will also include a glamorous 1920’s dance spectacular, tuition on how to dance the Charleston and a live performance by Killarney’s own Liberace, Jack Patrick Healy. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
The author will also share the story of how F Scott Fitzgerald’s grandson, Thomas Manhan, came to Ireland to learn Irish following his graduation in 1964.

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U2’s The Edge among new Irish Citizens

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC. The ceremonies took place on Monday and […]

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U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC.

The ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday this week
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens.
Seven ceremonies were held over the two days. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, is joined by Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, and Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.
“Today’s ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together. I moved to Ireland with my parents as a baby, so it’s not a stretch to say that this is long overdue! I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I’m so grateful for that,” said The Edge.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said:: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society.”
Minister Brophy congratulated the new citizens, adding: “Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”
Judge Paddy McMahon was the Presiding Officer for the ceremonies. administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, where new citizens commit to observing Irish laws and respecting its democratic values.
The Citizenship Division has seen a significant increase in applications, processing over 20,000 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024, up from around 12,000 annually just over two years ago.

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