By Michelle Crean

A much loved member of the community, businessman Denis P Counihan was remembered last week during a fundraiser in his memory.

TEA TIME: Ready for a cuppa at the Comfort for Chemo coffee morning in the International Hotel from l-r were: Doireann O'Connor Emma McCarthy and Seoidín O'Connor. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Emily Cusack and Lucas McCarthy had a cupán tae at the Comfort for Chemo coffee morning at the International Hotel. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Pictured at the Comfort for Chemo coffee morning at the International Hotel in remembrance of Denis P Counihan from l-r were: Seoidín O'Connor Mary Foley Doireann O'Connor and Donal O'Grady. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

COFFEE MORNING: Pictured at the International Hotel for the Comfort for Chemo coffee morning in remembrance of late Denis P Counihan from l-r were: Teresa Cronin Mary O'Leary Mabel Counihan Gobnait Carmody and Angela Griffin. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Enjoying the Comfort for Chemo coffee morning at the International Hotel in remembrance of Denis P Counihan from l-r were: Tom O'Regan with his mom Lysa Madeline Griffin with her daughter Emily Cusack. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Family, neighbours, friends, as well as those from the business community joined his wife Mabel and children Michelle, Kieran and Mike, in the International Hotel.

Support was immense as so far the Riverside Drive family have raised €4,700 for Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

Denis, who along with his wife and son Kieran ran Fine Designs in Park Road, sadly passed away on May 20 last year after being diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. He was aged 64.

His family wanted to do something to honour his memory and help a local charity at the same time.

"It was the first coffee morning we held in his memory and we said we'd do it for a local charity," Mabel told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It was incredibly busy. Thanks to the International Hotel for hosting the event. They have been absolutely wonderful to us, they couldn't have been nicer to us. We really appreciate everything. Everyone, friends, family, neighbours and business people we have dealt with over the years, were absolutely wonderful. Thank you also to Killarney Cardiac Response Unit for their support especially to me personally. Without everyone's help it wouldn't have happened."

She added a huge thank you also to Colin Baker and The Trustees of Muckross House who donated a whole array of beautiful cakes, scones, and pastries for the coffee morning.

"We, as a family, are delighted that all the funds raised will now stay in the county, and patients and families of Kerry will benefit from them."