DONATION: Denis Geaney and his ‘Team Geaney’ donated €27,465 to ICU in University Hospital Kerry this week. Funds were raised from charity cycle of the Ring of Kerry in July this year. Also pictured are: Gene Tangney, (centre) and his partner Máire O’Grady, daughter Fiadhna Tangney, and members of the Tangney family, Christina and Siobhan Tangney. Team Geaney members Derry Healy and Eileen O’Leary. Staff members of UHK include: Helena Behan, Theresa Winter, Siobhan O’Nuallain, Clodagh Stack, Dr Niamh Feely (Consultant Anaesthesiologist), Caitriona Hartnett (ICU), Ferghal Grimes (General Manager UHK) and Sarah O’Connell. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

By Michelle Crean

A trip back to University Hospital Kerry (UHK) proved very emotional for Killarney man Gene Tangney this week after contracting COVID-19 and spending four months in their care.

Gene was accompanied by Denis Geaney and his ‘Team Geaney’ to donate a generous €27,465 which was donated from the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in July.

Team Geaney organised the cycle after being inspired by Gene's will and determination to get better following his horrific Coronavirus battle resulting in medical professionals at the hospital placing him in an induced coma and ventilator to assist in his breathing for three months.

The night before the cycle, Gene’s friends and family were greeted with the amazing news that Gene from the Black Valley, though frail, had finally been released from UHK. The surprise visit was very emotional to see his dad and family in the Black Valley on that Friday night.

Making the donation this week, Gene was met with staff and management of the ICU at the hospital, it was very emotional for all, the atmosphere was palpable.

Today Gene is in need of much rehabilitation and ongoing treatment and the recovery is slow. Gene also presented a framed picture for the ICU ward in grateful appreciation to the care and attention he received.

“We were absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised," charity organiser Denis Geaney said.

"The generosity of people never ceases to amaze me. Gene together with his partner Máire and close family went through hell and back, they are so loved and respected in Kerry. We felt this was a very positive and practical thing to do for Gene and the ICU department. Honestly, it was the most enjoyable charity cycle in all my 37 years of the event.”

Gene, together with all the Tangney family, especially his son Feidhlim and daughter Fiadhna, partner Máire O’Grady, his dad Dikey, sisters Siobhan, Susan, Irene, Mary Rose, brother Derry, nieces and nephews, Gary, Christina, Claire, Michelle and Sinead, are so grateful to the medical team and hospital staff in UHK.

The 100,000 friends and well-wishers who lit candles in solidarity with Gene on Easter Monday night at 9pm kept them all going throughout his long ordeal.

“I would like to pay tribute to Denis Geaney and his team for organising this wonderful and worthy event," Gene said at the emotional presentation.

"I would also take this opportunity to thank each and every member of staff at UHK and especially the team in the ICU, without them I would not be here today. To everyone who sent me messages of support and held a vigil for me during my darkest hour, thank you all. To my dad, my family and great friends, who have stood by me, thank you so much. Finally, to Máire my partner, thank you for your ongoing love and care, I’m forever in your gratitude.”