Foundation run by Kerry man partners with Cancer Trials Ireland to help access and research on rare cancer

Jul 7, 2026 13:16

By radiokerrynews

Foundation run by Kerry man partners with Cancer Trials Ireland to help access and research on rare cancer — 18.10.2025 : Repro Free : David Walsh, founder of Netwatch & HaloCare, with the Kerry Person of the Year for 2025 award at a gala dinner held in Dublin over the weekend . : David Walsh, founder of Netwatch & HaloCare, was honoured as the Kerry Person of the Year for 2025 by the Kerry Association in Dublin in recognition for his entrepreneurial and leadership skills but also a pillar of the community, embodying the spirit of generosity and commitment to societal well-being. David has made giving back a cornerstone of his career. His impact spans local, national, and international communities. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD . Domnick Walsh Photographer is an Irish Aviation Authority ( IAA ) approved Quadcopter Pilot. Tralee Co Kerry Ireland. Mobile Phone : 00 353 87 26 72 033 Land Line : 00 353 66 71 22 981 E/Mail : [email protected] Web Site : www.dwalshphoto.ie ALL IMAGES ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT © Kerry Association honours award winners at Dublin banquet David Walsh was honoured as the 2025 Kerry Person of the Year by the and the Kerry Senior Football team, management & Kerry GAA were honoured as the 2025 Laochra Chiarraí winners. They were honoured by the Kerry Association in Dublin at a banquet in the Louis FitzGerald hotel on Saturday 18th October 2025. Kerry Person of the Year David Walsh, founder of Netwatch & HaloCare, was honoured as the Kerry Person of the Year for 2025 by the Kerry Association in Dublin in recognition for his entrepreneurial and leadership skills but also a pillar of the community, embodying the spirit of generosity and commitment to societal well-being. David has made giving back a cornerstone of his career. His impact spans local, national, and international communities. Laochra Chiarraí The Kerry Senior Team, management & Kerry GAA also received the 2025 Laochra Chiarraí award at the same function. The award recognises groups or organisations from Kerry who have shown leadership, service, or achievement beyond what's expected in daily life. It honours those who bring pride to the county, serve their community, or excel in performance while representing Kerry with distinction. Kerry Person of the Year award The Kerry Person of the Year award, now in its 44th year, recognises an individual who has shown leadership, brought honour to the county, and performed services for the county to such an extent that could be described as beyond the norm of everyday life. During her tribute to David Walsh, a native of Cordal, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan, said ''David is, in every sense, an exceptionally proud Kerry man. Though now a resident of Co. Carlow, David has a strong identity & huge pride in his heritage, traits typically associated with Kerry people. He embodies the very best of Kerry- quiet leadership, tireless dedication, and a deep emotional connection to his community and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Whether building world-class businesses or reimagining how we care for our most vulnerable, David leads with inspiration, integrity and always with people at the heart of the mission, David has carried the heart of Kerry with him always. In recognising him as Kerry person of the Year 2025, we honour not only his achievements, but his Kerry spirit of service and generosity that defines who he is, we celebrate a man whose benevolence, sincerity and unwavering devotion to others reflect the very soul of our county.” Brigid Laffan, President of the Kerry Association said, ''Recognising David Walsh for his achievements is an honour for the Kerry Association. David Walsh created a start-up Netwatch and scaled it up to employ people across four continents. Having sold it in 2019 he did not rest on his laurels but went on to create another disruptive company Halo Care. We honour an individual that is all that is best about Kerry.'' David said "I am deeply grateful to receive the Kerry Person of the Year Award in the company of family, friends, and fellow Kerry people. Standing here among those who share such pride in our county reminds me once again of the strength, warmth, and spirit that define Kerry and its people. This honour is not mine alone—it belongs to the community that shaped me, to the mentors and neighbours who encouraged me, and to the generations who have carried the Kerry name with integrity and heart. Tonight’s celebration is a tribute to all who keep that spirit alive, wherever in the world they may be." Laochra Chiarraí award The Kerry Senior Football Team, management & Kerry GAA were selected as the 2025 Laochra Chiarraí award winners in recognition for their masterclass in Gaelic Football - a magnificent display of skill, composure, and teamwork that reminded the country why the Kingdom remains the gold standard. They brought a deep sense of pride and joy to the county - not just through their result, but through the brand of football they played and the manner in which they wore the Kerry jersey: with pride, passion, and purpose. On the 27th of July 2025, they delivered standout performances all over the pitch - a day that will live long in the hearts of the Kingdom. Valentia Island native Mary Shanhan, Cathaoirleach Kerry Association in Dublin in her tribute said “Kerry GAA is more than a team – it’s a tradition written in green & gold, passed down through generations, where every parish, every pitch, and every player carries the pride of a county that lives and breathes Kerry football. The success of Kerry GAA is built not only on great players & managers but on the quiet strength of those who guide it – the County Board and its officers, whose vision, commitment & tireless work keep the heartbeat of Gaelic games alive in the Kingdom. Behind every great team is greater dedication and the County Board has long been the steady hand behind the glory of the green & gold." Patrick O’Sullivan, Chairman Kerry GAA said "It’s a true honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone in Kerry GAA - the players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters across the county. This recognition belongs to every club and all Kerry people at home and across the world, wherever you are, this honour is yours." Further queries Mary Shanahan, Cathaoirleach, 087 9262789 Previous recipients of the Kerry Person of the Year Award 2024 - Louise Quill 2023 - Katie Hannon 2022 - Dr. Patricia Sheehan 2019 - Tomás Garvey 2018 - Colm Cooper 2017 - Ted Moynihan (RIP) 2016 - Brian McCarthy 2015 - Danny Tim O’Sullivan 2014 - Archdeacon Michael Murphy (RIP) 2013 - Luke Moriarty 2012 - Jimmy Deenihan 2011 - Crohan O'Shea (RIP) 2010 - Dáithí Ó Sé 2009 - Margaret Culloty 2008 - Seán Kelly 2007 - Tadhg O'Donoghue 2006 - Jeremiah O'Donoghue 2005 - Jack O'Connor 2004 - Denis Geaney 2003 - Mick Galwey 2002 - Brian O'Mahony 2001 - Páidí Ó Sé (RIP) 2000 - Dick Spring 1998 - Mick O'Connell 1997 - Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (RIP) 1996 - Sr. Consilio 1995 - Ned O'Shea (RIP) 1994 - Paddy Culligan 1993 - John Curran (RIP) 1992 - Fr. Pat Ahern 1991 - Brendan Kennelly (RIP) 1990 - Dr. Paddy Moriarty (RIP) 1989 - John B. Keane (RIP) 1988 - Dr. Denis Brosnan 1987 - Dr. Bryan McMahon (RIP) 1986 - Mick O'Dwyer (RIP) 1985 - Con Houlihan (RIP) 1984 - Pat Spillane 1983 - Eamonn Kelly (RIP) 1982 - Pat O'Connell 1981 - Pat Roche (RIP) 1980 - Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy 1979 - Dr. Michael Carmody (RIP)

A foundation set up by a Kerry man has partnered with Cancer Trials Ireland to improve treatment access and research about a rare cancer.

The Beatrice Pembroke Walsh Foundation was established by Cordal man David Walsh, current Kerry Person of the Year, to fund research and create awareness of Leiomyosarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer which affects around 6 in 1 million people, mainly women.

David Walsh’s wife Beatrice, lost her life to this rare cancer at just 53 years of age in October 2022, and it was her dying wish that the foundation be established to help others.

The foundation has now partnered with Cancer Trials Ireland, which will provide specialist sarcoma clinics in the Midlands, allowing people to receive follow-up care closer to home than Dublin.

It will also create Europe’s first sarcoma tissue biobank to help research on sarcoma, which David Walsh hopes will lead to clinical trials and, eventually a cure.

Tags used in this article

Foundation run by Kerry man partners with Cancer Trials Ireland to help access and research on rare cancer

Recent Articles

Fexco Asset Finance surpasses €100 Million loan book

New upgrade strengthens electricity supply capacity in Kerry

UHK exceeds target for patients accessing chemotherapy within 15 days