By Michelle Crean
 

It really was girl power at its finest – as 170 women of all ages braved the elements on Sunday to bare all for charity at the weekend.

Shore Acre in Camp was the location which was only revealed to the participants for Kerry’s first ever ‘Dip in the Nip’. And amongst the all female grouping were some Killarney ladies who joined in the empowering adventure for what was described as “a special and unforgettable morning” all in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry.

According to Marisa Reidy from Recovery Haven, the women were of all ages and all walks of life who came together for so many personal reasons.

“Some were still on their own cancer journey, some were celebrating coming out the other side and of course, many were there to honour friends and loved ones who they had lost to cancer, but we were all equal on the day – flaws and all,” Marisa, who also took part in the event, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It was a truly uplifting and exhilarating experience and we are so, so grateful to each and every lady who joined us for a morning we will never forget. One woman described it as ‘companionship among strangers’ and that really sums it up perfectly. It was emotional, there were some tears, but lots of laughter and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. When the ladies hit the water, they all formed a circle and held hands in a gesture that was totally unplanned – it just happened organically and it was quite overwhelming.”

She added that a very special mention has to be made to Michaela and John Edwards and their team from Wild Water Adventures for their support and expertise in ensuring no stone was left unturned in making it a fabulous, safe event.

“It was an all-female team from beginning to end, from our own volunteers, stewards, registration, Gardai, teas and coffees, lifeguards, sea rescue – girl power at its finest! Now all that’s left to do is start planning for 2022!”

Donations are still being taken via the link on the Recovery Haven Kerry Facebook page.

“So far we are close on €9,000 which is just fabulous.”

A new collaboration between Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club and Cars n’Coffee Killarney was hailed a success by event organisers.

On Sunday last, between 250 and 300 cars went on display at Killarney Racecourse.

The range of cars covered everything from vintage, classic, retro and modern from a 1936 Rolls Royce to a 2017 Mercedes Benz AMG.

It was the first time that the local vintage club and the Cars n’Coffee team came together to run an event and it could pave the way for similar such occasions in the future.

“The event attracted a huge cross section of car enthusiasts from all different age brackets which was very important,” Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club’s Tom Leslie, who was one of the main organisers, said.

“The owners were there with the bonnets of the cars open and proud as punch of what they were showing. There was a huge amount of public there and loads of new members signed up to our club.”