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CONGRATULATIONS to Eileen Switzer who took a very well deserved bow when she received the Woman of the Year Award from the Killarney Soroptimists.

Eileen was guest of honour at the club’s Christmas party in The Gleneagle Hotel on Tuesday where was presented with the award by Killarney Soroptimists president Emer Moynihan, Clair Bowler and national Soroptimists president Teresa Irwin.

In her address to the gathering, Maura Fitzgerald highlighted Eileen’s supreme generosity and tireless volunteering for the community of Killarney. “Eileen personifies the word community with her commitment to the many organisations she has been involved with over her lifetime,” said Maura.

The eternally youthful mother and grandmother has been a mentor and friend to generations of young people in Killarney through her involvement in everything from Community Games to St Mary’s Parish Hall activities and more. “The greatest gift one can give a person is time and Eileen has surpassed all generosity in this area,” added Maura.

Modest to the core, Eileen said volunteering something she regards as “part of my life”. “It keeps you young!” she told Killarney Advertiser.

The hugely popular Killarney lady previously won national Women in Sport award and Killarney Mayor’s Award.
Eileen continues to volunteer at St Mary’s Parish Hall, where she has run the juvenile badminton club for almost 40 years. “Eileen could be known as Mrs Parish Hall!” said Maura. “Along with her fellow volunteer Sean O’Sullivan she supervises the bookings for the hall and she is known by people using the hall to have a very generous heart.”

Eileen is also very much involved with Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club, where she is lady captain, and Ross Golf Club, where she served as a lady captain in the past.

A keen promoter of the Killarney Microtrack project, Eileen also spearheads activities with the Kerry Parents & Friends group.

Eileen and her husband Frank were involved in Community Games in Killarney North and beyond for over 40 years. “They encouraged and coached hundreds of children to great success but most of all gave these young people a love of a variety of sports,” added Maura. Eileen also served on the county executive and made sure the voice of Killarney Community Games was heard nationally.
 

 
Above: Eileen Switzer receives the Woman of the Year award from Emer Moynihan, Clair Bowler and Teresa Irwin. Pic: Dylan Clifford