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“We sit, have a cuppa and chat about everything and anything”

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Volunteer says befriending the elderly can make all the difference to their lives

By Michelle Crean

The incoming winter might seem never ending for many elderly in our community - but one charity is helping to break the loneliness through companionship.

ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home is urgently calling for volunteers in the Killarney area for their befriending service.

Their Support and Befriending service is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide assistance to solve everyday problems and enable older people to feel secure at home.

The service matches older people who would like extra social contact with volunteers in their area, who provide companionship through a weekly visit. They ask that all volunteers commit to at least one year to give the volunteer the opportunity to have a meaningful experience while ensuring continuity of service for older people.

One kind-hearted local woman, Elaine Shine, became a volunteer with ALONE as she wanted to do something to help others.

"As I was registered with Kerry Volunteer Centre, I received an email last October that ALONE were looking for volunteers," Elaine, who works at the Killarney Advertiser, said.

"I applied and began the process with them. It took just a simple class during the pandemic, filling out a garda vetting form and talking to the relevant people at ALONE to determine who would be best suited to match with me."

Not long after Elaine was matched with a local lady whom she visited once a week for two hours in the evening.

"We sit, have a cuppa and chat about everything and anything. This means so much to my lady as she has no family or close friends here in Ireland. Her sister and extended family live in the USA and England. She has one other person calling to take her for a drive or some shopping as she is in her 80s and wouldn’t feel comfortable driving to some places as it is too busy with other cars and people. These visits mean the world to her and she would have the cups and plates ready, and be waiting for me to get there after work," she said.

"There are many, like my lady, who are alone the majority of the time, if not all the time, and feel so isolated from the world. It only takes one to two hours per week and is very rewarding. They may need help with technology, or help to make lists of things to get them through the winter, help to book or pay for something online and many other things."

Volunteers must be over 18 years of age, and be able to provide support and companionship to an older person by visiting them at least once a week. To become a volunteer, contact volunteer@alone.ie who will link you in with the local Volunteer Support Officer.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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