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

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Killarney based Ukrainian couple fear for family's safety

WORRIED: Vladimir (Vova) Bilokhvost and his wife Sophia who live in Killarney are worried for their families in Ukraine as the war escalates.

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."

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Book on handball legend to be launched at The Sem

A new book by a Killarney priest will be officially launched at St Brendan’s College on Monday, December 9. Unbeatable – Fr Tom Jones, Handball Supremo will be launched at […]

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A new book by a Killarney priest will be officially launched at St Brendan’s College on Monday, December 9.

Unbeatable – Fr Tom Jones, Handball Supremo will be launched at 6pm in the college chapel.
The book, written by Fr Tom Looney charts the life of Fr Tom Jones, a past pupil of St Brendan’s who entered the school as both a World and National Handball Champion.
Jones later served as a priest in Ulster, Yorkshire, Australia and Kerry over a 54-year ministry. The biography describes his sporting achievements and his contribution to parish life at home and abroad.
Fr Kieran O’Brien, President of the Kerry Handball Association, will host the launch
Copies of the book, priced at €15, are available in the Cathedral Office, O’Connor’s on Beech Road and the Friary Bookshop.

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HR Buddy named Top Global Employer of Record provider

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Killarney-headquartered HR & Payroll firm HR Buddy has been recognised as one of the leading providers of Employer of Record (EOR) services in the latest market research published by anywherer.com.

The company, which also operates offices in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin, was highlighted for its dependable service in supporting global firms hiring in Ireland.


HR Buddy functions as an Employer of Record service provider for the Republic of Ireland, assisting foreign companies to legally hire Irish workers without the lengthy process of forming a local entity.

This service includes full HR support, payroll handling, and guidance on local compliance, effectively allowing the foreign firm to manage daily tasks while HR Buddy acts as the legal employer.

This model significantly reduces administrative delays and compliance risks for global businesses looking to expand into the Irish market.


The anywhere.com guide, which helps global businesses compare EOR options, noted that HR Buddy stood out for its local expertise, dependable service, and commitment to simplifying workforce management for global teams.


Damien McCarthy, Managing Director of HR Buddy, said” W”e are working with organisations in Japan, China, Singapore, Canada, US, Scandinavia, Europe & the UK. It is testament to our team that independent market research places us as a leading provider in this area,”


In addition to its EOR service, HR Buddy also provides HR and employment law support, payroll outsourcing, HR Buddy Manager software solutions, and workplace training to businesses across Ireland.

The company celebrates its 9th year in business this month.

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