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Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Funeral hears Kerry teenager who died in horse riding accident had ‘so much goodness'
Isabelle 'Izzy' O'Callaghan (17), from Rockfield on the Tralee Road, died in the accident last Thursday. The late Ms O'Callaghan's family are the owners of Killarney Coaches and they are well-known in the locality. Hundreds attended the funeral of the late St Brigid's Presentation Secondary School Student, to offer their condolences to her parents Eamon and Deirdre, brother James, grandparents and wider family at St Mary's Cathedral on Monday. At the Mass, the late Ms O'Callaghan was remembered in a eulogy delivered by her best friend, Leah. An emotional Leah told those in attendance that she never expected to be standing at the funeral of her 'amazing' friend. 'I met Izzy through the world of horses and our friendship sparked the way a lot of people can relate to - the shared passion we had for our sport,' Leah said. 'Our friendship was full of love, laughter, adventure and unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever, such as galloping down Inch Beach at full speed and uncontrollably laughing when we realised we couldn't stop the horses, making fun of each other when we were covered head to toe in mud after a long day of hunting, or stuffing our faces with chicken goujons at your kitchen table.' Leah said she could not stop smiling when her late friend was honoured at the Showjumping Ireland Awards in February. 'I was so proud of you when you were on the big stage receiving your award. I was even prouder to call you my best friend,' she said. Though Leah moved to work in Clare, she and the late Ms O'Callaghan maintained their great friendship despite the distance between them. 'Our lives were very different but we still supported each other through everything, even with the three-hour bus rides it took to meet up,' she explained. 'From the excitement of new experiences to the difficult times we had to overcome together. 'Although Izzy was younger than me, she had a way with words that always made me feel better and, somehow, in the most complicated situations, she could always make me laugh.' Leah said the late Ms O'Callaghan brought out in her a sense of confidence that she does not have naturally. 'On my second week of my new job in Ennis back in September, I was given full responsibility to look after over 30 horses while my co-workers went to a horse show in County Cavan,' she recalled. 'I was extremely nervous and I was doubting my abilities. So of course, I called the one person I knew who would give me the advice I needed to hear. 'As expected, she made me feel like I was enough and that I was capable. 'The following day, Izzy and her dad pulled up outside my apartment door. She brought so much food that I didn't have to do a food shop for over a month after. Thanks again bestie.' Leah said the bond she had with the deceased could not be compared. 'I could rely on her and I hope she knew she could always rely on me too,' she said. Killarney parish priest, Fr Kieran O'Brien, presided over the funeral. Fr O'Brien said the late Ms O'Callaghan was taken 'so unexpectedly and so cruelly' after a morning spent marking hay bails with her grandfather Jimmy. He said the accident took place in the lead up to the weekend when the deceased's grandparents, Monica and Sean, were to celebrate their golden jubilee. The priest said the loss of the late Ms O'Callaghan was another blow to the family, following her cousin Bill's death eight years ago. 'A treat for her, on a Thursday afternoon, after a morning's work, was to take the horse for a gallop,' he said. 'She loved her horses. It's like the phrase, she would sleep, breathe and eat with them - they were her life, it was her vocation. 'From early morning to late at night, she attended to them. She disciplined herself, always to be organised from the night before, if there was a journey to be travelled. 'She travelled the length and breadth of this country for various competitions. The horsebox could be taken out at any hour of the day or night. And always with her parents at her side. 'They were passionate, they were supportive, and they were also driven for the sake of their children. 'The name Izzy O'Callaghan is well known throughout this country, and especially in the equine circle. 'For her age, didn't she achieve so much. Only 17, she will remain a teenager, she will be forever young.' Fr O'Brien said a day had never been long enough for the late Ms O'Callaghan, a nature lover who was always up at the crack of dawn. 'Even as a fifth year student in St Brigid's, her college plans were already in place. Her work was almost certainly going to be outdoors,' he said. He said the late Ms O'Callaghan was a beautiful young lady who wore a smile every day, no matter what was going on in her life. 'So much goodness, so much kindness came from her,' he recalled. 'She was also that kind of person that if she received kindness in her own life, she repaid it on the double.' The deceased was described by her teachers in St Brigid's as quiet yet confident and Fr O'Brien sympathised with her many friends and fellow students, who celebrated the end of the school year only a few weeks ago. Fr O'Brien said the death of Ms O'Callaghan served as a lesson on how fragile life is. He said the community of Killarney is behind the family of the deceased and locals will try to support them in any way. Fr O'Brien said lyrics from the Donna Taggart song 'Jealous of the Angels' could be used to describe the feelings of those grieving. 'I didn't know today would be our last. But I would have to say goodbye so fast. I am so numb I can't feel anymore. Only God knows why. I'm just jealous of the angels around the throne tonight,' he recited. Fr O'Brien called for those at the Mass to pray for the late Ms O'Callaghan and her family. 'May she rest in peace,' he said. Ms O'Callaghan's burial took place in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery after the Requiem Mass. Her funeral procession received a guard of honour from the students and staff of St Brigid's Secondary School as it travelled through Killarney.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Kerry nurse wins major award at Tallaght University Hospital
These annual staff awards recognise employees who go above and beyond in their dedication, service, and leadership. Since the awards were launched in 2019, they have honoured exceptional individuals/teams across the hospital, highlighting their contributions to excellence in healthcare and support to their colleagues. These most recent winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony held in the hospital's Centre for Learning & Development. Their families and colleagues gathered to recognise their achievements and contributions. Michelle is former student of the Presentation Secondary School in Listowel and along with her nursing colleague Clodagh Glynn frim Kildare, she won the Teamwork Award. Both Michelle and Clodagh are both Lung Cancer Nurse Coordinators at the Hospital. The colleague who nominated then for the Teamwork Award said: 'I am proud to nominate Michelle and Clodagh in recognition of their outstanding commitment, collaboration, and service to the lung cancer service over the past 20 years. Working in a non-designated cancer centre, they have provided a lung cancer service equivalent to that of larger, designated centres. 'What sets them apart is not only their resilience and professionalism under pressure, but their drive to improve the system itself. They embody the essence of teamwork — consistently supporting each other, sharing responsibilities seamlessly, and demonstrating a quiet, sustained excellence that has earned them the deep respect of colleagues across disciplines. They are the definition of a high-functioning team and have had an immeasurable impact on patient care, staff morale, and the reputation of our service.'
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Listowel TY student named winner of prestigious national competition
Hazel, a student in Presentation Secondary School in Listowel, was chosen as winner out of over 350 essays from 52 different schools and 16 counties that were submitted from across the entire country. Each eassay had to explore the topic: 'The role the law can play in addressing Hate Crime'. The competition is one that aims to inspire young peoples' legal learning by encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider contemporary justice issues. President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said: 'This year's topic challenged students to explore how our laws respond to hatred and discrimination in society. Their essays demonstrated an understanding of the role that legislation can play in protecting marginalised groups and promoting inclusion for all in society. 'Through the competition students are encouraged to research, reflect and critically apply their learnings to this complex legal issue. The judges were impressed with the breadth of ideas and considered arguments put forward by students,' he continued. 'The Law Society remains committed to widening early access to legal education for young people from all backgrounds. Congratulations to all students who entered, and in particular to this year's finalists and winners. We hope many of them will continue their legal education, continue to ask questions and consider a future career in law,' he added. Hazel's essay was selected as the top entry and the Kerry student won a €1,000 prize and a cup for her school. The judges commended Hazel, noting that her essay stood out for its superb analysis of the law. The judges also agreed the essay highlighted strong independent thinking, was an enjoyable read, and a deserving winner. Commenting on her win, Hazel had this to say: 'I'm honoured to win the overall award this year. The competition gave me a chance to learn more about the law and learn how the legal system can be used to protect people and uphold equal rights. I'm grateful for my teachers at Presentation Secondary School, Listowel for encouraging our class to take part in the Gráinne O'Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.'
RTÉ News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
10 world finalists crowned at Junk Kouture Dublin City Final
Junk Kouture - an eco-conscious fashion competition aimed at secondary school students - returned to Dublin's Helix theatre last night for the Dublin City Final. Following two successful Regional Finals in March, 60 talented design teams from across the country battled it out for a place in the Junk Kouture World Final 2025. Each design featured in the show aligned with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging students to use fashion as a vehicle for change and to address environmental and social issues through creativity. The designs were evaluated by a prestigious judging panel of experts in sustainability and fashion, including Claire Garvey, renowned Irish couture designer; Mariusz Malon, fashion designer and Junk Kouture alumnus; and Zeda the Architect, aka Oyindamola Animashaun, a visual artist, stylist, journalist and producer. The 10 Junk Kouture World Finalists who will represent Ireland at the 2025 World Final are: 1. La La Lu Veil by Emilija Milasiute from St Joseph's Secondary School, Co Westmeath created from plastic milk bottles and plastic packaging straps. 2. Blazing Muse by Isabel Ryder, Niamh Donohoe and Lilly Mangan from Presentation Secondary School, Co Wexford created from tarpaulin curtain trailer. 3. Venom and Vines by Marija Cernikova, Molly Markey and Anika Beu from Inver College, Co Monaghan created from crisp pockets. 4. Blueprint by Erin Roche, Muireann Lowry and Hannah Higgins from Moate Community School, Co Westmeath created from single use medical jackets. 5. Golden Globe by Beth Brady from St Joseph's Secondary School, Navan, Co Meath created from over 1,000 Plastic Surgical Forceps. 6. Carousel Couture by Lauren O'Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College, Co Limerick, created from high-vis vests, big bags and pipes. 7. Saline Queen by Aine Carter, Elaine Miller and Kaylah O'Mara from Heywood Community School, Co Laois, created from salt and metal bags. 8. PaperDoll by Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrot and Louis Bacaeir from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, Co Cork, created from paper waste. 9. Gear Glamour by Ellen Chapman, Anna Murphy and Kayla Butler from Ramsgrange Community School, Co Wexford, created from wheel spokes and tyre tubes. 10. Miss Mares by Lucia Revuelta from Elphin Community College, Co Roscommon, created from aluminium cans, sardine tins and foil. RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will air the Dublin City Final on Monday, 19 May at 7pm. Fashion fans can also hear from Clodagh Ramsey, the reigning Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year, on RTÉjr's climate and nature podcast, Ecolution on 14 May.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fashion label founder ‘honoured' to be recognised with prestigious business award
Originally from Listowel, Ms Guerin was recognised as Creative Businesswoman of the Year at the recent IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025. A former student of Presentation Secondary School who graduated from Limerick College of Art and Design in 2004, she is the founder and director of luxury tailoring brand The Landskein. The label combines heritage and modernity through fine Irish tweed tailoring for women. The judging panel of the IMAGE PwC awards, which featured leading figures from Irish business and media, awarded Ms Guerin on the basis of the exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and leadership she has displayed in running her business. Ms Guerin was chosen as the winner from a shortlist of ten businesswomen, each of whom have impressive credentials. She said it was an 'incredible honour' to receive the Creative Businesswoman of the Year award, which was sponsored by interior design company Designed by Woulfe. 'The Landskein is a celebration of Irish heritage and modern luxury, and I am so grateful to everyone who has championed and supported me since the beginning,' Ms Guerin said. The designer established her fashion label in 2019 after gaining almost 20 years of experience in the design industry. Ms Guerin has a showroom in Dunlaoghaire, Dublin and her label's products are stocked at stores including Brown Thomas and Kalu in Ireland as well as boutiques across the USA, Italy, Switzerland and China. Her brand will launch a new collection in Brown Thomas in June.
