News
Team Hope charity exceeds gift giving target
A KIND GESTURE: The team of volunteers behind the Killarney and South Kerry Team Hope Shoebox Appeal which this year received approximately 4,000 boxes thanks to the kindness of the public. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Francis Foley
The Team Hope charity has outdone itself again this year - by collecting more gift boxes for under privileged children abroad - than they did last year.
Due to the overwhelming support of the people of Killarney, at least 4000 gift boxes have been collected.
Team Hope in Killarney, headed by Margaret Scully and her son Chris, are proud to see an improvement in the amount of boxes they normally collect.
This achievement is made even more special as the charity, which covers the Killarney and south Kerry areas, collects gift items donated by the public and creates gift boxes made up of toys, clothes and other useable goods that are then sent to areas of the world that have the greatest need, is also celebrating its 10thanniversary in operation.
There are restrictions on what can and can’t be sent to the children, as some items that may seem harmless, could lead to unintended negative environmental or cultural effects. These items could include anything from certain sweets to batteries.
The objective of the charity could not be met without the great effort and time given to the Team Hope cause by its volunteers which include, Josie Real, Dave O’Conner,
Monica O’Shea, Flick Golding, Laura Ogiema, John and Kathleen Wrenn, Kitty Murphy and many others.
It is because of people like this and the continuing kindness of the people of Killarney and the surrounding areas that nearly 24,000 boxes have been produced in South Kerry alone.
Margaret this week expressed her gratitude to the people of Killarney for their donations.
“I’d like to shout out a huge thank you to all the people of South Kerry for their generosity, every man, woman and child that has made up a box plus all the wonderful volunteers for their time, and the O’Brien family for the use of their building for our work,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.
Chris also added thanks to all the schools and businesses that have helped Team Hope to keep going.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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