80‑year‑old Kerry pensioner urges €25 weekly boost

Seán Ryan, an 80‑year‑old retired soldier and stonemason from Milltown, Killarney, Co Kerry, says his €292 weekly state pension and small allowances are barely enough to last from Friday to Monday.

Ryan lives alone in a local authority house where he has resided for about 30 years. He left the Defence Forces before qualifying for an army pension after 18 years of service, which included deployments during the Troubles and to Lebanon.

He receives a weekly payment of roughly €292, covering his pension and a fuel allowance, but finds it increasingly difficult to cover heating, electricity, food, toiletries and other essentials. “You get the pension on Friday and on Monday there isn’t too much of it left,” he said.

Ahead of the budget, Ryan called for a minimum €25 weekly increase for pensioners. The government later announced a €10 across‑the‑board rise in social welfare rates, including pensions.

Ryan, who never married and has no children, is recovering from a recent hip operation after a dislocation. He now limits his social outings, noting the high cost of drinks and the loss of companionship among older people.

He remains connected to the community through Meals on Wheels and the charity Alone, which he describes as essential support for his wellbeing.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Daniel Wells / Pexels.