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Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details announced for Leaving Cert student who died in swimming tragedy
A 'kind, gentle and fun-loving' Leaving Cert student who died following a swimming accident in Co Kerry last weekend will be laid to rest on Wednesday. Luke Silles, a sixth-year student at CBS The Green in Tralee, was injured during a day out with friends at Fenit Pier on Saturday, May 17. The 18-year-old was rushed in a critical condition to University Hospital Kerry, where he sadly passed away on Friday surrounded by his family. Young Luke is survived by his loving parents, Tony and Paula, his siblings, Oran and Aimee, as well as a huge circle of friends and extended family. Luke's heartbroken family have confirmed his funeral details in a notice shared on The teenager will repose at his home in Curraghleha East from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday evening, with his funeral cortège due to arrive to St Brendan's Church in Clogher at 10.30am on Wednesday ahead of his Requiem Mass at 11am. Luke's family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Fenit RNLI. "Tony, Paula, Oran, Aimee and the extended Silles and Harris families are deeply grateful for all the love, support, and kindness shown to them during this difficult time," a message shared on states. Tributes continued to be paid to the popular teenager, who was preparing to sit his Leaving Certificate exams next month. Luke was a talented sportsman who lined out for Tralee Dynamos Football Club, representing the club at all age levels with pride and distinction. In a message shared online, one of Luke's former coaches paid tribute to the talented footballer, whose death "has left a massive void in our club". "Sincere condolences to Tony, Paula, Oran and Aimee. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to know and coach Luke for 8 years with Tralee Dynamos," Luke coach said. "He made the number '5' his jersey from the early academy stage - no one else could go near it! His talent for the game matched his likeable character and his passing has left a massive void in our club. He was a great friend to his teammates, including my son Shayne. Thoughts and prayers with the Silles family, may you find strength through this very difficult time. May Luke rest in peace." Another mourner said: "My heartfelt sympathy to Paula, Tony, Oran, Aimee and the extended Silles and Harris families on the devastating loss of your much loved Luke. I am heartbroken for you all. "Luke was a kind, gentle and fun-loving lad who has left an everlasting mark on those privileged to have known him. I hope you find strength and comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the knowledge that Luke rests in the loving arms of his grandparents in heaven. "Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this unimaginable time of sorrow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Sleep peacefully Luke." While a third person added: "Dear Tony, Paula, Oran and Aimee. Our deepest condolences to you and all the extended family on the heartbreaking loss of your beloved Luke. "He was a loyal friend to the boys and it was a true reflection of the love and values you nurtured in him. May you find comfort in the legacy of his kindness, strength, and light he leaves behind. "You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. We have lovely memories of Luke."
Sunday World
25-05-2025
- Sunday World
‘I used to think Ireland was safe,' says US tourist (81) violently robbed in Kerry
Andrea Bartlett gave a lengthy victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B. An American tourist, who came to Ireland on a long-planned trip to celebrate her 54th wedding anniversary, has revealed the extent of her injuries and the ordeal she suffered when she was thrown to the ground and robbed while in Kerry. Andrea Bartlett (81) gave a lengthy victim impact statement via video link from the US this week during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas (24) who is charged with robbery arising out of the incident at Port Road, Killarney, on April 22, 2024. Judge Ronan Munro, sitting at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court, said he would like to commiserate with Ms Bartlett as her long-planned trip was 'ruined'. She told the court she would like to see the defendant, and the camera was adjusted to allow this. Judge Munro said he was sitting in the dock with his hand 'hanging in shame' as he should be. Ms Bartlett told the court she was 'viciously attacked" on Port Road. "He threw me to the ground on my left side causing a head injury, and ripped my purse off my right arm causing my humerus [upper right arm] to break in two. I heard the arm break before I hit the ground as it made a loud cracking sound like a branch snapping off a tree. It was so loud I imagine the thief heard it too.' She said the only question she has had in her mind since then, is 'how could one human being do this to another?'. She told the court the trip had originally been planned to celebrate the couple's 50th wedding anniversary, but had been postponed due to Covid. They had also hoped to look up family ancestors while in Ireland, including Sneem, Tahilla and Kenmare in Co Kerry. However, their trip had to be cut short after the ordeal. On the night of the incident, they had just eaten dinner at a local restaurant where they had a special celebration organised by the B&B owners to mark their anniversary. She said they were on their way home when the criminal 'brutally attacked'. Gardaí and the emergency services arrived at the scene and Ms Bartlett was transported to University Hospital Kerry. She said when she woke up the next morning, the pain was 'excruciating'. 'Every time I moved I could feel the bones scraping against each other,' she said. Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B. News in 90 Seconds - May 25th 2025 She said such was the movement of the broken bones that it made her feel dizzy and nauseous, and that she also vomited periodically during the first day of her injury, which may have been a result of her head injury. Ms Bartlett flew home to the US on April 25, three days after the incident occurred, and has endured a 'long and painful recovery' since then. 'I spent two-and-a-half months sitting on my couch day and night. I could not lie down to sleep as it caused too much pain. If I didn't move, I could manage the pain.' Standing up, walking and travelling in a car also caused her pain. Her husband had to look after her all the time, and she also had to get home help as she could not do anything for herself. The head injury she suffered also caused difficulties, particularly with her balance, and this remains an issue making it difficult to walk. She is still undergoing physical therapy. Ms Bartlett said her injuries have left her with several side effects. My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me She said the attack meant she missed out on many things, including planning to see the towns in Kerry where her ancestors came from. 'My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me. We have not been able to visit with family and friends or socialise with them.' She said she can no longer undertake the activities she enjoyed like playing bridge, gardening and playing bocce. She has also suffered a significant financial loss as a result of her injuries. Ms Bartlett said she 'used to think Ireland was a safe place'. 'I am hoping this was an anomaly but, in the future, I plan to be more observant whether I am travelling in Ireland or the US.' Tomas Starodubcevas of Tudor Lodge, Woodlawn Road, Killarney, was charged with robbing Mrs Bartlett of €325 on April 22. Listowel District Court, where Starodubcevas was initially charged Barrister Katie O'Connell, representing Starodubcevas, said her client offered his most sincere apology to Ms Bartlett. "He is truly ashamed, it has haunted him,' she said. Ms O'Connell said the defendant had been taking drugs at the time. He owed money and was 'desperate'. 'It may be of little comfort, but it's important you know he is very sorry.' Ms Bartlett said she was very curious to know why he had done it. Judge Munro said one of the things he had to consider in sentencing is whether Starodubcevas would re-offend. The court heard he is currently in jail, after he arrived to court late the previous day, so he is no longer on the streets. He adjourned the case to July 8 for sentencing to allow a probation report to be carried out, and said Mr Starodubcevas will remain in jail while he is being assessed.
Irish Examiner
19-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Recovery of body parts from Michael Gaine's farm leads to arrest in murder investigation
A dramatic 24 hours in the homicide investigation into missing farmer Michael Gaine saw the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder and the recovery of human body parts at his Kerry farm. Detectives were last night questioning a man, aged in his 50s, after arresting him on suspicion of murder on Sunday afternoon. The development came after intense garda activity over the weekend at a site on Mr Gaine's 1,000-acre farm, sparked by the shock discovery of human tissue from a slurry spreader on Friday. Garda HQ announced yesterday that an arrest had been made and, shortly after, at about 5.20pm, a hearse carrying a coffin arrived at the farm, indicating that significant human body parts had been found. A curate arrived at the scene and went into the cattle barn at the centre of the examination. Men could be seen coming and going, their heads bowed and some wiping their faces. At about 5.45pm, a coffin was brought out from the barn and placed carefully into the back of the hearse. A short while later, the hearse, escorted by a garda car, pulled up the drive and headed in the direction of Moll's Gap, towards University Hospital Kerry in Tralee for an autopsy. The grim scenes followed extensive examinations on Saturday and yesterday, with the specialist Garda Water Unit yesterday joining the Garda Technical Unit in examining a slurry tank, a spreader, and a large agitator, used to mix and pump slurry. The decision to conduct the arrest so quickly came as a surprise but sources stressed this would not have been done without reasonable grounds and/or pressing operational reasons. A coffin containing remains is carried out of the cattle shed at the farm of Michael Gaine in Kerry. Picture Neil Michael The garda statement said: 'This afternoon, Sunday, May 18, a male [aged in his 50s] has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 'The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in Kerry division. An Garda Síochána continues to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co Kerry.' It said the family of Mr Gaine had been informed of the arrest and that the garda family liaison officer was providing support. Mr Gaine, aged 56, went missing on March 21, with the investigation upgraded to homicide on April 29. His wife Janice and his sister Noreen made an emotional plea for information the following day. Before the arrest, it was thought that gardaí had identified a shortlist of potential male suspects. The man arrested can be held for a maximum of 24 hours, excluding sleep breaks. During this period, he will be subject to a number of interviews, where evidence gathered to date will be put before him. Investigators will be in contact with the office of the DPP to determine if there is sufficient evidence to press charges or if the person should be released to allow for further investigations and the preparation of a file for submission to the office. Initial discovery Some three dozen gardaí were gathered at the scene on Sunday after the discovery of suspected human tissue on Friday. The grim find came after a worker operating a slurry spreader spotted unusual material when trying to clear a blockage in the machine. Other potential samples of tissue were subsequently identified across a number of fields where the slurry had been spread. Gardaí confirmed on Saturday evening that tests conducted by State pathologist Sally Anne Collis and forensic anthropologist Laureen Buckley showed the tissue was human. DNA is being extracted from a number of tissue samples to build a DNA profile, which will be then compared to a reference sample of Mr Gaine to see if they match. Sources said that, in order to build a profile, scientists need a sufficient amount of DNA from samples and enough DNA that has not been degraded by environmental factors, such as contaminated, or even toxic, material in a slurry tank. Sources said that if the technical process of testing is expedited, it could still take a week to get preliminary results back but also stressed that it could be longer. The discovery yesterday of more significant human remains will assist and, following the autopsy, should also help in determining the cause of death. Throughout Sunday, gardaí lifted slatted slabs covering an underground slurry tank in the large slatted-unit cattle shed in the yard, and sifted through material from the tank. An excavator assisted in the procedure. The slurry tank was thought to have been emptied during an initial examination towards the end of March but may have been filled since. Sources have said that if human tissue, and the further remains discovered Sunday, come from the tank, there could be two possibilities — that the tank may not have been fully emptied and checked the first time, or that human remains were put into it after the first examination. The Garda Water Unit has the necessary expertise and equipment to search and gather material from hazardous environments, including noxious liquids and solids in slurry tanks and spreaders. Members of the unit assisted in examining the slurry spreader and a large agitator, used to mix and pump the slurry.
BreakingNews.ie
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (20s) seriously injured in single-vehicle collision in Kerry
A man in his 20s has been seriously injured in a collision in Co Kerry. He was driving a car which crashed on the N72 at Fossa shortly before 3am on Sunday morning. Advertisement He was the only person in the car in the single-vehicle collision. The man was treated at the scene and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Kerry, but he is since been taken to Cork University Hospital where his injuries are serious. The scene has been examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Irish Examiner
12-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Recruitment challenges in Cork and Kerry impacting delivery of health services
Rural health services in Cork and Kerry are struggling to attract nurses due to the housing crisis, with much-needed beds closed as a result. Concern is also growing at shortages of Irish-speaking healthcare staff to support older people in the southwest Gaeltacht areas. Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation industrial relations officer Liam Conway said rural patients are missing out. 'In Kerry in the likes of Cahersiveen, Dingle it's very difficult to get rental accommodation. The same would be seen in the likes of West Cork so housing is a barrier that needs to be addressed.' Staff shortages have led to 'challenges around supply of beds in older persons services' in Kenmare and Cahersiveen. That is impacting on respite care, being able to receive residential care in your community and being able to be discharged from University Hospital Kerry — people can't get transferred back to their locality for the necessary rehab. At the West Kerry Community Hospital in Dingle, 11 beds in a purpose-built module have yet to be used. He described the national recruitment policy – pay and numbers strategy - as 'an own goal'. He also called for restoration of Gaeltacht allowances — 'close to 10% on top of your salary' — removed during the 2008 recession. 'You want to attract staff to the Gaeltacht who can speak the language,' he said. South Kerry is 'particularly challenged' in finding public health nurses, he said. New Sláintecare services including teams for older people known as ICPOP are also struggling. A HSE South-West spokesperson said: 'There are well documented challenges in recruiting staff to some of our facilities in more rural locations. West Kerry Community Hospital's location on a peninsula can make recruitment even more challenging.' They ran multiple hiring campaigns but she said 'unfortunately these recruitment efforts have had limited success'. Kenmare Community Nursing Unit will open seven beds 'in the coming months', she said. New staff have recently started work with recruitment continuing. Read More Low uptake of free HRT scheme raises concern among pharmacists
