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Local window cleaner Joe Gaffey may have just tuned the big 70 – but he has no plans to slow down just yet!
Although Joe, from Ferndale Avenue, Killarney, officially celebrated the milestone on Friday- he spent Saturday night partying the night away with family and friends in The Dromhall Hotel.
And, being kind natured and generous, he used the occasion as a fundraiser – raising €1,600 for the Dementia Wing in the Rock Mount Day Centre.
Joe, who has been window cleaning in town for 31 years, was joined on the night by his wife Julie, sons Darren and Jonathan, daughter-in-law Joanne, grandchildren Olivia (13) and Ruby (11), as well as his sisters Mary and Joan and family from as far as London, Ferbane, and as local as Killarney and Castleisland.
Unfortunately his brothers Declan and Ray couldn’t make it on the night.
“It was a great night,” Joe told the Killarney Advertiser.
“We had finger food and plenty of music by DJ Ger O’Sullivan. He played ‘60s and ‘70s including Elvis, ABBA and Joe Dolan and some modern songs for the younger crowd.”
He said that everyone gave generously for which he’s very thankful.
10 years ago he did a fundraiser for MS and raised over €700 and was delighted to raise even more this time around.
“My brother Ray in Leeds has Alzheimer’s which inspired me to pick that charity. It’s very common – it’s frightening.”
And he added that not only were people generous on the night but local businesses and people on the street have been stopping him and donating as well.
“People around the town are very generous,” he said. “I want to say thank you to everyone for coming on the night and supporting the charity, local businesses and people for their support also.”
And he won’t be slowing down anytime soon, he added.
“You make the best of what you have and I have no intention of retiring just yet. I love working and I’m quite content.”