By Michelle Crean

Two local events over the Christmas period managed to raise a whopping €36,530 which was handed over to charities this week.

The Brian Lawlor Trust and Kerry Cancer Support Group were the beneficiaries of the funds raised by kind-hearted locals during the Sam to the Summit and the Denis Michael Dennehy Memorial Pool Tournament.

Firstly, on St Stephen’s morning over 400 trekkers gathered in Glenflesk for the historic ‘Sam to the Summit’ fundraiser. The winter skies cleared and spectacular views of the Kingdom and beyond greeted the climbers and the illustrious trophy.

“A huge thank you to all who supported and donated online and in person. It was a great community effort and couldn’t have taken place without the dozens of volunteer stewards and those on registration on the day,” organiser Emma Cooper said.

Meanwhile, The Corner Bar in Barradubh hosted the annual Denis Michael Dennehy Memorial Pool Tournament over the Christmas period.

128 participants took part in the competition, culminating with the final on January 2 and once again all proceeds going to the charities. A fantastic night of sport, music and song from The Border Boys saw Rathmore man Pádraig Nagle came on top against his good friend Dónal Óg Kelliher in the final.

“€2,540 was raised by participants and supporters. The Dennehy family would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that generously sponsored raffle prizes and supported us throughout the tournament,” added Shane Dennehy on behalf of the family and organisers of the tournament, which is held annually in Denis’s memory. Organisers were astounded at the generosity of those who supported both events from near and far.

“The total collected is a tremendous tribute to the esteem in which these charities are held,” Ollie Favier, on behalf of the Organising Committee, said.

In a time where sad and bad news can dominate our airwaves it is comforting to know that the spirit of goodness and generosity still shines when groups come together to help each other.

Finally, Derry Healy paid tribute to friend and neighbour Johnny O’Brien, who died on Christmas night.

“Johnny knew the mountain like the back of his hand and would have been one of the first men there with us. I have no doubt he was with us in spirit that day, high on the hills where he loved to roam. We missed him. May he rest in peace.”