Latest news with #BrúColumbanus
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Inspired by a life saved, Kerry community acts to save more by installing new defibrillator
It was in April of this year when 24-year-old Seán Óg O'Sullivan – a resident of the Whitebridge estate – suffered a shocking and sudden cardiac arrest at his home. Thanks to the quick thinking of his dad, Sean, and his younger brother Gary though, Seán Óg's life was saved with the uo perforning life-saving CPR on Seán Óg until paramedics arrived 10 minutes later. Being a fit, healthy 6'1' non-smoker with no known medical history, the sudden cardiac arrest of someone so young shocked the local community and highlighted that something like this can happen to anybody, as well highlighting the importance of CPR training. Since then, the Whitebridge community have rallied together to fundraise for a publicly accessible defibrillator. Stepping in to assist, The Heights Hotel generously covered the full cost of the defibrillator and its outdoor heated cabinet, now installed at the heart of the estate. The campaign, led by Seán Óg's brother Gary O'Sullivan also generated over €4,600 through a GoFundMe effort. With the defibrillator now in place, the remaining funds will be split equally among three vital causes: - Killarney Cardiac First Response Unit - The Michael Lenihan Heartsafe Campaign - Brú Columbanus, Cork University Hospital Collette Andre O'Riordan, Managing Director of The Heights Hotel, recently joined local residents to visit the installed device. She expressed her pride in supporting the effort and announced the hotel's commitment to provide space and resources for community CPR and First Aid training sessions. Additionally, The Heights Hotel will host an awareness coffee morning in the near future to raise both funds and understanding around emergency response and preparedness. 'We are delighted to have been able to support such an important community led project,' said Collette Andre O'Riordan. 'The swift response from local residents shows the power of community spirit. We hope this inspires others across Killarney, Kerry, and beyond to prepare and train, because it truly can save lives.' The Heights Hotel added that it remains deeply committed to grassroots efforts that strengthen community resilience and looks forward to welcoming local residents to training sessions and awareness events in the months ahead.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry village all set to sprinkle some fairy magic and fun
While many visitors flock to experience the fairy trails and fantasy-filled activities, the true heart of the event lies in its extraordinary community spirit and charitable mission. Organised by a small, dedicated committee of passionate individuals, the festival thrives thanks to the tireless work of local volunteers. 'We are totally reliant on our local community volunteers,' said Mick Brady, Chairperson Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival. 'Their tireless dedication is what brings this festival to life each year, creating an event where people truly meet their neighbours and friends, fostering a wonderful sense of togetherness,' he added. From its inception, the festival has been supported by generous local landowners, whose hospitality has made the magical setting possible year after year. Beyond the captivating fairy trails and delightful attractions, every ticket purchased is a direct contribution to charity and local community organizations. He said in line with its local-first ethos, the festival proudly prioritises local Kerry suppliers wherever possible, helping to further strengthen the regional economy. In 2025, the festival is proud to support Kerry Hospice as its charity of choice. Over the years, other deserving causes have included Laura Lynn, Brú Columbanus, Down Syndrome Ireland, Kilflynn National School, the local defibrillator group, and Shannow Family Resource Centre. Throughout the festival grounds, local groups also run shops and special fundraising attractions such as the ever-popular Teddy Bears Hospital. Participating groups include Abbeydorney Ladies Football, Abbeykilleix Camogie Abbeydorney, and Kilflynn Community Games Crotta GAA 'This festival truly encompasses what a community is. It's about working together, supporting one another, and creating something truly special for everyone,' Mick said. 'However, this year also brings a bittersweet note to the celebrations, as it marks the last time Queen Pearl will travel the fairy trail. Her presence has enchanted countless children and adults alike over the years,' Mick said. 'But we know those tiny little fairy feet deserve a rest. Queen Pearl's incredible legacy with affection and gratitude. She will forever be a friend of this festival,' he added. Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival is on June 29. Check out its Facebook page for information and updates. Prepare to be enchanted and inspired. There really is a little bit of magic in this village!
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Irish Independent
‘The grief never goes away' – Kerry village leads from the front in global memorial fundraising walks
Instead though, the brave and resilient pair – who are American natives but who have called Sneem in South Kerry home for nearly 30 years now – decided that instead of mourning their son, they would turn his anniversary into a global celebration and one that helped to raise thousands for their chosen charity of Brú Columbanus. The pair's son, Sean Patrick Connelly, was killed on June 4, 2005, when he was driven off the road by a road rage driver in the U.S. It's a pain that never truly leaves either of them, something that they told The Kerryman this week. "It was definitely an emotional day. I had a couple of little meltdowns where the emotions took over. Even 20 years later, the emotions can take over. It [the grief] doesn't ever go away, it changes yes, but it never goes away,' said Maureen, speaking about how Saturday went for her and Bob. Saturday's 5km walk in Sneem was just one of 22 global sponsored walks in total that took place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks took place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S with all of these walks united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy and raising money for a charity close to Bob and Maureen's hearts. "We couldn't have asked for any better. We were overwhelmed at the success of it [the walk]. Two of our son's best friends, flew over from Florida for the walk here in Sneem which was just so amazing,' said Bob. "We're thinking that there was probably close to 200 people there on Saturday. It's beyond anything that we ever expected,' added Maureen. "I wrote a thank you letter about the day and there's just too many people to name separately but the main group that deserves special thanks is the people of Sneem. They all came out and it was just so amazing to see such great numbers come out and support this great charity in memory of our dear son,' Maureen continued. "We were overwhelmed with the turnout and thank each and every person from the bottom of our hearts,' she said. Although the rain threatened to spoil the day for them at times, both Bob and Maureen say that they know Sean was looking down on the day and pulled some strings to make sure that the clouds parted and that the sun came out. From a global perspective, Maureen said that all of the other fundraising walks in different locations around the world were absolutely "fantastic", especially the one in Tampa where Sean was born and raised. Here, Maureen said, all of Sean's friends got together afterward at the pub where they used to hang out to celebrate his memory. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "As much we wanted to share Sean's memory, raising money for Brú is far more important and we hope that we raised as much money as possible for them, they deserve it." As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob told The Kerryman back in May that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Parents of man killed by road rage driver in the US set to lead Global Walk in his memory in Sneem
The husband and wife pairing, who have called Sneem in South Kerry their home for 20 plus years now, called into The Kerryman office in Tralee back at the end of March where they beamed with pride as they talked about their late son and only child, Sean Patrick Connelly, who was driven off the road and killed by a road rage driver in the U.S nearly 20 years ago on June 4 of 2005. The pair, who were set to fly out to Florida the next day, travelled up from Sneem bright and early to talk about the upcoming global walk that they and charity Brú Columbanus have organised together as a tribute to Sean's memory. Here in Kerry, the 5km walks will take place both in Sneem and in Tralee in June 7 with 22 sponsored walks in total set to take place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks will take place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S. All of these walks are united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy. Brú Columbanus will be live-streaming the events and participants are are encouraged to share their experiences, photos, and videos on Instagram using #GlobalWalkForBru. The Sneem walk will start at the Sneem Rowing Club boathouse at 2pm. Speaking to The Kerryman, Bob and Maureen said they have been embedded in the Sneem community for nearly three decades now – Maureen is a proud member of the local Tidy Towns group there – and that it is a place that is extremely close to their hearts, not just because of the amazing community there, but also because it was the last place that Bob and Maureen were all together with Sean before he was killed. Poignantly, from their house there, Bob and Maureen say that they can see Sean's grave. It was a place, they said, that he fell in love with while he was there. In a sign of how much the duo have been embraced by the local Sneem community, Bob said that people, when passing by Sean's grave, even those who did not know him personally, will place flowers on his grave. "He was a kind, intelligent, friendly, and warm-hearted young man. He reached out to all ages. He always had a great way of communicating with people at their own level, be it children, friends, adults, and grandparents,' Bob and Maureen said. "Sean's friends showed up at our house every Thursday night for two years after his passing. They were not only showing up for our loss, but also for theirs. We then moved house to try to get on with our lives, but also hoping for them to get on with their own. Two of his friends actually named their children after Sean, and every year, on the anniversary of his death, a bunch of his friends get together to remember him,' the pair continued. Sean was 6'3 and 240 pounds and one thing we all miss terribly are his bear hugs,' they concluded. As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob said that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued. All details about the Global Walk for Brú can be found be clicking here:
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
South Kerry to lead worldwide walks in memory of late US man killed in road rage accident
The husband and wife pairing, who have called Sneem in South Kerry their home for 20 plus years now, called into The Kerryman office in Tralee back at the end of March where they beamed with pride as they talked about their late son and only child, Sean Patrick Connelly, who was driven off the road and killed by a road rage driver in the U.S nearly 20 years ago on June 4 of 2005. The pair, who were set to fly out to Florida the next day, travelled up from Sneem bright and early to talk about the upcoming global walk that they and charity Brú Columbanus have organised together as a tribute to Sean's memory. Here in Kerry, the 5km walks will take place both in Sneem and in Tralee in June 7 with 22 sponsored walks in total set to take place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks will take place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S. All of these walks are united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy. Brú Columbanus will be live-streaming the events and participants are are encouraged to share their experiences, photos, and videos on Instagram using #GlobalWalkForBru. The Sneem walk will start at the Sneem Rowing Club boathouse at 2pm. Speaking to The Kerryman, Bob and Maureen said they have been embedded in the Sneem community for nearly three decades now – Maureen is a proud member of the local Tidy Towns group there – and that it is a place that is extremely close to their hearts, not just because of the amazing community there, but also because it was the last place that Bob and Maureen were all together with Sean before he was killed. Poignantly, from their house there, Bob and Maureen say that they can see Sean's grave. It was a place, they said, that he fell in love with while he was there. In a sign of how much the duo have been embraced by the local Sneem community, Bob said that people, when passing by Sean's grave, even those who did not know him personally, will place flowers on his grave. "He was a kind, intelligent, friendly, and warm-hearted young man. He reached out to all ages. He always had a great way of communicating with people at their own level, be it children, friends, adults, and grandparents,' Bob and Maureen said. "Sean's friends showed up at our house every Thursday night for two years after his passing. They were not only showing up for our loss, but also for theirs. We then moved house to try to get on with our lives, but also hoping for them to get on with their own. Two of his friends actually named their children after Sean, and every year, on the anniversary of his death, a bunch of his friends get together to remember him,' the pair continued. Sean was 6'3 and 240 pounds and one thing we all miss terribly are his bear hugs,' they concluded. ADVERTISEMENT As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob said that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued. All details about the Global Walk for Brú can be found be clicking here:
