News
“You feel powerless as there’s very little you can do”

Killarney based Ukrainian couple fear for family's safety
By Michelle Crean
A Ukrainian couple who have lived in Killarney for just over 20 years fear for the safety of their loved ones as the war escalates in Ukraine.
Russian President Putin's troops have been murdering innocent people including children and bombing buildings such as a children's and a maternity hospital in various cities including Kharkiv, Maripola and Kyiv in a bid to take control of the country over the past fortnight.
Each day the situation becomes harder to watch for Vladimir (Vova) Bilokhvost and his wife Sophia as they worry about their families in Poltava which is 100kms from Kharkiv - currently one of the hotspots of the war.
"It's very worrying," Vova, a food and beverage manager in the Gleneagle Hotel, told the Killarney Advertiser.
"Both our parents, my sisters, brothers are there and Sophia's mother and aunt. It's very worrying. You feel powerless as there's very little you can do. It's very stressful and depressing."
Vova, whose children Alexandra (17) and Andrew (9) were born and reared in Killarney, said they are in constant contact with family every day. Poltava, he explained is 100kms from Kharkiv and his family still have access to food, water and the Internet.
"Poltava is OK for now as Kharkiv is standing strong. They [his parents] go to the basement five or six times a day or more when the alarms sound. Hopefully they [Russians] won't advance."
Vova, who said he and his wife will open their home to a Ukrainian family in the next few weeks, thanked the people of Killarney for their continued compassion and support.
"We're getting huge support here. We have a few families, about seven, who have volunteered to take people in."
Speaking of Putin, Vova added that he never imagined that the war would actually happen.
"I could never believe it until the very last second it happened. He is a very damaged man. I would compare him to the worst in history."
News
Matt Britton Flooring Now Open in Cork
Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork. […]

Matt Britton a thriving, local, sustainable, family-run business that has evolved into the ultimate destination for Ireland’s finest hardwood flooring, luxury carpets and bespoke rugs is now open in Cork.
Established in 1997 by brothers Matt and Craig, both fitters by trade, Matt Britton has become a popular household name throughout Ireland, a favourite among Ireland’s top interior designers and has been featured in an array of celebrities’ homes, including Peter O’Mahony, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Pippa O’Connor, Vogue Williams, Rosie Connolly, and Suzanne Jackson, among others.
Recent expansion plans included the opening of their fifth showroom, Matt Britton Cork, unveiled by Ireland, Munster and Lions rugby legend Peter O’Mahony.
“We are delighted to have launched our first Munster store as part of our expansion plans across Ireland. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our customers who have previously travelled from Munster to visit us in Dublin and Wicklow and this has encouraged us to open a store closer to home for them. Moreover, we are pleased that the opening of this showroom has allowed us to create 10 new jobs in the local area,” said Managing Director Matt Britton .
Their showrooms are designed to offer customers a luxurious experience and showcase their extraordinary collection of hardwood flooring, opulent carpets, and bespoke rugs tailored to clients’ unique preferences.
News
Quest Killarney named Ireland’s best fitness and wellness event
Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards. Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other […]

Quest Adventure Series organised by Kerry based Elite Event Management came out winners at the Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Awards.
Quest won Best Large Fitness and Wellness Event, beating other well-known names in the fitness and event industry.
Irish gym clothing company Gym+Coffee established the Make Life Richer Awards as community-based awards that celebrate those who ‘Make Life Richer” to include people who have the same passion as they do and facilitate events and meet-ups that bring people together.
“The team at Quest are super-proud of this award and the achievement and would like to thank everyone who voted for them, and enjoys being part of the Quest community.,” said Elite Event Management’s Rebecca Kemp
Entries for Quest Killarney October 7 are now open at www.questadventureseries.com