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Events lined up for Kerry’s Mental Health and Well-being Fest
LAUNCH: Pictured at the launch of Kerry's Mental Health and Well-being Fest is Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, Cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council with from left: Geraldine O'Sullivan (Kerry Volunteer Centre), Deirdre Hegarty (Healthy Ireland Coordinator, KCC), Donagh Hennebry (Resource Officer - Suicide Prevention, HSE), Pat O'Brien (Kerry Mental Health Association), Caoimhe Keogan (Jigsaw Kerry), and Lorraine Bowler (NEWKD). Photo: Pauline Dennigan
By Michelle Crean
Promoting good mental health this October is the aim and it's never been more important than ever with the year that's in it.
Between October 10 and 17, Kerry's Mental Health and Well-being Fest has planned a week-long programme of events - but it will be a bit different to previous years due to the current restrictions.
Organisers are planning a number of events outdoors and online which will coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Since it was inaugurated in 2018 hundreds of people have attended Kerry’s Mental Health and Well-being Fest each year.
An interagency committee, which is supported by Cork-Kerry HSE and Kerry County Council, have organised a range of events including well-being workshops, Forest Therapy, seminars, walks, coffee mornings, meditation and mindfulness, activity sessions, workplace workshops, self-care workshops, Zumba and yoga classes and more.
Launching the programme of events this week, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, explained that he is hugely aware of the mental health and well-being impact that this pandemic has had on people across the county.
"It is very important, this year especially, that the Mental Health and Well-being Fest is held to highlight the mental health services and supports that are available to people across the county. While observing the public health guidelines, the Fest offers an opportunity to connect with people and engage in activities that support people’s overall health and well-being," he said.
Donagh Hennebry, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare with the HSE, added that the programme of events has come together with the support of all the local statutory agencies working together with the very positive input of community and voluntary groups all over Kerry.
"This year the Cork and Kerry Fests will be held simultaneously in an effort to further highlight the support for mental health and well-being across the region and extend the reach of the message of the Five Ways to Wellbeing."
The Five Ways to Well-being are:
* Connect – with the people around you at home, work, school, and in your local community.
* Take Notice – Savour the moment whether you are walking, eating, or talking. Be aware of the world around you and what you’re feeling.
* Be Active – Step outside. Go for a walk, cycle, garden or dance. Discover a physical activity that suits your lifestyle.
* Give – Do something nice for a friend or a stranger. Thank someone. Volunteer. Join a community group.
* Keep Learning – Try something new, rediscover an old interest. Take on new responsibilities. Fix a bike. Learn how to cook your favourite meal.
Full details of the programme of events are now available on the Healthy Kerry and Kerry County Council websites www.healthykerry.ie.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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