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Family call on community to Pedal for Grace

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By Michelle Crean

One family are so thankful for the services provided for their daughter with a vision impairment that they're calling on the community to support their upcoming fundraiser.

12-year-old Grace O’Sullivan was diagnosed with Stargardt disease five years ago, which causes progressive sight loss.

However, her family, mom Mary, dad Canice and sisters Farrah and Maisy, have been so amazed by the wonderful support from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) and the assistive technology which helps her live a relatively normal life, that they've organised the 'Pedal for Grace' charity cycle fundraiser next month.

"It affects her central vision," Grace’s mom Mary O’Sullivan, whose parents Sean and Mary O'Donoghue live in Deerpark, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"She has about two thirds of her central vision and has trouble recognising faces and fine detail, but to look at Grace you'd think there was nothing wrong."

She added that it's a progressive genetic disease and researchers think that both parents are carriers.

Unaware of the support of NCBI until they needed it, Mary says that they are a wonderful charity which allows Grace to meet with others her own age going through the same thing.

"NCBI helped Grace to become confident and independent as she goes through different stages of life," Mary, who previously raised €8,000 with a skydive and fancy dress party for her 40th birthday three years ago, said.

"Our family have decided to hold a charity cycle to show our appreciation and give something back to help others in the same situation."

EVENT

The event will kick off at the Firies Community Centre, Church Road on September 10.

Registration for 'Pedal for Grace' can be done on the NCBI website event page in advance of the event or can be completed on the day of the event from 8.30am onwards.

Those who fundraise €100 or more for the event will receive a free cycling jersey and no registration fee will be required. All cyclists must wear helmets.

You can also choose to take part in one of two events: 9.30am – 60km cycle of the Killorglin Loop, registration fee is €30, or the 10km cycle loop at 10.30am and the registration fee is €10.

Music and more fun will be available at Henderson’s Bar following the cycles.
People who wish to register for Grace’s big day can do so on the Pedal for Grace event page.

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Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow 

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

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Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.

Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event. 

Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.

The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.

Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.

Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.

“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said. 

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Outdoor dining area officially opens in town

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

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A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).

The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.

“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.

“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”

The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.

“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.

Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.

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