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Walkers to remember Ian and raise funds for counselling service

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A POPULAR teenager who died by suicide four years ago is to be remembered by his family and friends who want to raise money for the Southwest Counselling Centre.

Sixteen-year-old Ian O'Riordan from Maughantouring in Gneeveguilla was a gentle and handsome teenager who was a transition-year student at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore.

But life changed drastically when Ian died by suicide on January 14, 2013.

To mark Ian's 21st birthday, his mom, Eileen, is organising a fundraising walk in Gneeveguilla on February 11 at 3pm when she hopes to raise much-needed funds for the Southwest Counselling Centre.

"It was the most devastating time for me and my family, brother, sister, school friends, who were all only children at the time.

"It was with the support and help of Southwest Counselling that these children got through this horrible time. I don't think you ever get over it but you learn to cope and live with it.

"Southwest Counselling provided the most extraordinary service. At any time, short notice or not, Southwest Counselling would see these youths and guided them through it," Eileen said.

Ian is remembered as a gentle, handsome, and caring boy. An older brother to Melissa and Liam, he loved to play rugby, do rowing and horseriding and loved spending time with his friends.

"He was the life and soul of every party," Eileen added.

"This 21st birthday remembrance walk means an awful lot to my family and will hopefully help more youths in the future through Southwest Counselling."

Family and friends of Ian now hope to get as many people as possible to come out on February 11th to help remember Ian, to mark his 21st birthday and to raise funds for the service that proved a tremendous support during a very difficult time.

The 5k walk begins at 3pm and donations can be made on the day.

Registration is 10 euro and will take place at Petros Bar Gneeveguilla from 2pm on Saturday, February 11, and the walk will begin at 3pm.
 


 
Above: Ian O'Riordan.

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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