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MEMBERS of Killarney Soroptimist Club have thanked everyone who helped make their recent pancake fundraiser such a success.
It was a full house on Shrove Tuesday at Killarney Avenue Hotel for the club’s annual pancake and coffee morning.
As MC Theresa Irwin of Killarney Soroptimists welcomed all guests to the event, she revealed that a particularly famous guest was attending, with Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin making his way through the function room to meet, greet and address all present.
The pancake morning, which has been taking place for 11 years now, is the group’s main annual fundraiser.
And as the last remnants of Storm Imogen made their drizzly presence felt outside, ladies and gents attending enjoyed the super-relaxing morning get-together.
A raffle and auction added to the excitement, with all proceeds going to local charities and causes.
The ladies organisation, part of an international network, was established over 50 years ago in Killarney as a social and professional network for women in the professions and business. “It has raised tens of thousands of money for local and international charities in its history,” said president Noeleen O’Sullivan.
This year the designated charities for the annual pancake morning are the Kerry/Cork Health Link bus, the Order of Malta, and the Southwest Counselling Centre. The Church of Ireland Killarney will also receive money for the expensive repairs to its stained glass window as will Mary O’Leary who is going to Nepal to undertake charity work.

Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin with Ciara Irwin Foley and Emir O’Shea at the Killarney Soroptimists pancake and coffee morning.