RTE Sean O'Mahony Faha Killarney PASSWORD

Sean O’Mahony Faha Social Spin 1 Publican Sean O’Mahony pictured at the Faha Court Killarney . ( Killarney Country Club aka Faha Court Pub), Faha, Co Kerry. Eircode V93AY82; Contact/Owner Seán O' Mahony 087 2425848 ) Social Spin is a pilot programme in two Kerry locations designed to help rural publicans help their communities by providing a voluntary taxi service. The VFI is making a video about the programme and while in Kerry talked to publicans running the service Photo By Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD Tralee Co Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone : 00 353 87 26 72 033 Land Line : 00 353 66 71 22 981 E/Mail : info@dwalshphoto.ie Web Site : www.dwalshphoto.ie ALL IMAGES ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT © Sean O’Mahony runs the Killarney Country Club in Faha, about 10km from Killarney town. Sean says the pub was in a “do or die” situation after the drink driving laws were changed. “We called a meeting of local people where it was decided that something had to be done. The pub is at the heart of our local community and we were determined to protect it.” Social Spin was born and although it only launched in June, Sean says the results so far are extremely encouraging. He explains how Social Spin works: “We have 30 volunteer drivers so it really is a community effort. The car is available from 6.30pm to 11.30pm every night. Customers call the Social Spin dedicated mobile number to arrange collection. It’s as simple as that. “It’s a volunteer service so there is no charge, passengers can make a donation to a maximum of €5 per trip, which goes towards diesel and maintaining the car. Running costs are approximately €200 per week.” Sean also mentions solving the insurance issue as a key factor in allowing the service to launch. “I’d like to thank FBD for taking us on board, who worked closely with us while we established Social Spin. In the end we secured open insurance for just over €4k.” The Faha service is now transporting over 80 people to and from Killarney Country Club per week. “We’re a small rural community so this is a lifeline. It needs to be rolled out nationwide,” says Sean. “The government need to support schemes such as this across the country.”

RTE Sean O'Mahony Faha Killarney PASSWORD