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KILLARNEY woman Agnes Rooney decided to get in gear to take action when she discovered many members of the local community face difficulty in going about their daily lives because of the lack of wheelchair-accessible transport.

Agnes is on a mission to raise funds for a bus for the Kerry Parents & Friends Association. “I have a sister, Mairead, who has intellectual difficulties, and who unfortunately lost most of her mobility a couple of years ago,” said Agnes.

“She now has to have a wheelchair-accessible bus to go to work each day. I realised there was a need for funding when the bus arrived for Mairead one morning and the wheelchair access lift didn’t work. When I enquired about this, I was told that the fleet of 17 buses are deteriorating with no funding for replacement.”

Agnes added: “These buses take Mairead and her friends to work, home, hospital appointments, social training, respite and holidays to name but a few. They travel all over Kerry and truly support them and their families in ways that the greater community may not understand.”

The buses provide a vital service for home support, respite and everyday activities for people with intellectual disabilities all over the county, said Agnes. “We would deeply appreciate your support in helping the most vulnerable in our local community,” she added.

With the help of fellow locals, including former Kerry Parents & Friends CEO Tony Darmody, Conor Hennigan, Denis Casey, Gabhan O’Loughlin and Ger Counihan, Agnes swept into action to organise a series of fundraisers.

The first event, a golf classic, will take place on October 1, at Beaufort Golf Club. It is €240 for a team of four and there will be prizes galore and a raffle on the day. "Teeboxes are available and of course if you are not a golfer, all donations would be very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone for your help to date," said Agnes. Contact Agnes Rooney on 087-9865258 for further details.
 

 
Pictured above at the launch of a series of charity events all in aid of a new wheelchair friendly bus was Michael Daly, Mary O'Brien, Mairead Casey, Kathleen, James Rooney, Jacinta O'Callaghan, Shauna Aherne, Avril Rooney, Tony Darmody and organiser Agnes Rooney. PICTURE: SALLY MACMONAGLE