HELPING OTHERS: Killarney artists John Sheahan and Olivia O'Carra have donated some of their work towards Enable Ireland Kerry's 'Wild Atlantic Art' fundraiser. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Artists from Killarney have generously gifted some of their creative work to help a Kerry charity which is struggling with funding due to the year that's passed.

Enable Ireland Kerry Services, have, like most charities, felt the brunt of COVID through their fundraising this year. And like so many, Enable Ireland, who are based in Tralee but have clients of all ages across Kerry who avail of their services, have felt the pinch.

Community fundraiser for the service, Sean Scally, asked many artists across the county for their support, and without hesitation received a tranche of replies.

Amongst them were Killarney artists John Sheahan from Tiernaboul, Olivia O'Carra from Park Drive, and Mark Eldred, who have each donated some of their work towards Enable Ireland Kerry's 'Wild Atlantic Art' art sale fundraiser. The pottery department at Muckross House also donated a bowl, while photographer Peter Cox also gave a print of his work.

“Lots of our fundraising events and activities have been cancelled due to COVID so we came up with an online fundraiser for our services,” Sean told the Killarney Advertiser.

“The response has been amazing and we have secured donations from artists from Cork and Donegal, including quite a few from Kerry. Without the support of the artists we wouldn't be able to do this. The arts sector is also struggling this year and we were very conscious of that and didn't want to put them under pressure. We'd like to say a huge thanks to them all for supporting Enable."

John, who runs web company Egg Design and is an artist on the side, said he was delighted to participate.

"A friend of mine saw it online and sent me the link. I donated two pieces and one sold straight away. I donate to charity every year through Egg Design but I never donated my art before."

Olivia took up art after retiring as a Science teacher from Presentation 18 years ago.

She said she was more than happy to help.

"I just think it's a good cause."

To view the art simply click here.