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Kerry Parents and Friends ‘Biddy’ fundraiser goes online

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ONLINE: Members of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group, pictured here in pre-COVID-19 times, are taking their annual fundraiser online.

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By Sean Moriarty

 

One of the most significant fundraisers for Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) has been forced to go online as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

KPFA offer a wide variety of services in Kerry to over 300 people with intellectual disabilities. They provide a broad range of support experiences and operate 30 centres countywide in day, residential, respite, home support and outreach.

The Killarney-headquartered but county-wide charity relies heavily on local donations and fundraisers.

One of its biggest fundraisers is its annual ‘Biddy’ tour where local musicians dress up in period-costume to mark the annual St Brigid’s Day religious feast on February 1.

“The Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group would visit practically every pub in the county between mid-January and early February,” Marie Linehan, Kerry Parents and Friends Association’s Chief Executive, told the Killarney Advertiser. “That is not possible this year.”

The annual ‘Biddy’ tour earns the charity around €7,000 and the absence of this year’s event will leave a large hole in their fundraising efforts.

Instead, KPFA have decided to take the tour online, with videos of previous years events to be broadcast on both the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association own social media channels. Viewers will be invited to make a donation to the charity while watching the videos.

Funds can also be donated by searching Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group on the GoFundMe.

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TY Christmas markets brought festive cheer

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St Brigid’s held their Transition Year Christmas Markets which brought colour, creativity and entrepreneurial flair to the school last Tuesday.

The hall was transformed into a festive marketplace as TY students showcased a wide range of products, modern, on-trend and carefully designed to appeal to their target audiences from 1st to 6th year.

The event was filled with Christmas cheer, complete with treats, photo opportunities and seasonal music.

Shane Enright from Bank of Ireland was the judge, he spent time visiting each stall, offering valuable advice and encouragement to the budding young entrepreneurs.

For Innovation, Creativity and Sustainability, Reel Moments was the winner. Lucky Loops had the best promotion and stall innovation while Charms & Comforts met the market’s needs.

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Weather alert casts doubt on tomorrows parade

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The third Magic Street Parade, scheduled for Saturday, may not go ahead due to adverse weather conditions.

The organisers of the Christmas in Killarney festival are currently monitoring the weekend weather warnings.

A final decision on whether the parade will proceed will be made early on Saturday.

A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for a number of counties, including Kerry, this Saturday with a possibility that it could be upgraded to a Status Orange.

Met Éireann has advised of the threat of spells of very heavy rain with an increased risk of floods which could lead to difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

As of 3.00pm on Friday afternoon, the plan is expected to go ahead as planned. However, the Christmas in Killarney Festival committee will continue to review the situation and will be guided by advice from Met Éireann and the local authority.

A definite decision will be confirmed Saturday morning on whether the parade will proceed.

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