By Michelle Crean

After an absence of three years there was a huge turnout to the Good Friday Walk which raised almost €6,000 for the Kerry Hospice.

Walkers came out in their droves eager to support the popular event organised by Killarney branch members in memory of Vivien O’Shea and Sheila McGillycuddy who passed away with life-limiting illnesses.

Walkers set off at 10.30am and got to enjoy the choice of two walks in the beautiful surroundings of the National Park, an 8km walk from the Garden Restaurant via Dinis Cottage and a section of Torc Trail and the second shorter route 6kms from the Garden Restaurant to Brickeen Bridge and back.

"We have always been lucky with the weather and last Friday was no exception," Killarney Hospice Branch chairperson, Pat Doolan, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Our ambassador for the morning was Rathmore lady, Danielle O’Leary, fresh from her exploits with the victorious Kerry ladies football team in Croke Park on the previous Sunday. The fantastic sum of €5,811 was raised on the day for the benefit of Kerry Hospice."

On completion of the walk the participants were able to relax in the pleasant surroundings of The Garden Restaurant, Muckross House where a raffle for some beautiful prizes was held. There were prizes also for junior/adults quiz which had been arranged by quizmaster Padraig O’Sullivan.

The organising committee wish to sincerely thank all who contributed in various ways to the success of the event including people who made donations but were not able to take part in the walk.

“I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the help and support we received from various quarters including the press, parish office, local business community and various individuals in the running of this event. The generosity of our benefactors never ceases to amaze," Pat added.