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3,000 Team Hope boxes and counting

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By Michelle Crean

A whopping 3,000 boxes have been put together thanks to the generosity of the public which will ensure poor kids abroad will have a happy Christmas.

BOXING UP: Sheila Rice and Kathy Ivory pictured in the local Team Hope sorting centre with volunteers sorting boxes in the background. Photo: Michelle Crean

The call was put out, schools and community groups across Killarney and South Kerry banded together and when the truck arrives to pick up the boxes there'll be even more as collections will take place in six more schools next week.

Volunteers have been working tirelessly at the O'Connor Unit on the ground of St Finan's where inside there's hardly a corner which hasn't got a box ready to be transported.

Hours and hours of sorting has taken place with some volunteers giving up full days of their time to make sure the children will get a box filled with colourful items such as toys, clothing, toothbrushes and facecloths.

Sheila Rice, co-ordinator for the Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal, said a lot of work has been put in by everyone involved.

"We have over 3,000 boxes in the centre done with six more schools to do," Sheila told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We are delighted with the response this year. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so diligently to finalise all these shoeboxes for the vulnerable children, the schools, teachers, pupils/students and parents who supported the charity so willingly. Also to the public who also participated with shoeboxes and filler items and businesses who supported us financially to enable us purchase the fillers the drop off centres."

The Civil Defence provided transport to the far away areas while the HSE facilitated the appeal by allowing use of the O’Connor Unit.

"Thanks to everybody who helped us in anyway."

The last date for handing in boxes to the centre is next Tuesday (November 29) in order to get them ready and shipped out in time to reach the children Christmas day.

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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