News
Gina’s generous supporters help raise €10k
By Michelle Crean
A Firies woman has added another €10,470 to the charity pot as her annual fundraiser was yet again a complete success.
WINNER: John and Helen O'Connor Firies pictured with the TV that they won in this year's 'Big Christmas Raffle' for Comfort for Chemo.
WINNER: John and Helen O'Connor Firies pictured with the TV that they won in this year's 'Big Christmas Raffle' for Comfort for Chemo.
It's the fourth year Gina Herlihy has fundraised and her second time doing it online due to COVID - but that didn't stop the support from locals and beyond from digging deep and giving generously to the 'Big Christmas Raffle'.
Gina's goal is to raise as much funding as possible for Comfort for Chemo Kerry who are on a mission to raise €5m to build a new chemotherapy unit on the grounds of University Hospital Kerry (UHK). It is being built for the people of Kerry by the people of Kerry.
The Christmas raffle was held on December 10 live from Gina's own kitchen in Firies.
There were 73 happy winners on the night with John O'Connor from Firies winning the television sponsored by Johnny O'Meara Bus Hire and a fantastic hamper sponsored by Olivia Butler of Butler's Bar Firies.
"I am proud to fundraise for such a fantastic charity that is very close to my own heart," Gina told the Killarney Advertiser.
"The businesses of Kerry and beyond were more than generous with fantastic donations and prizes and everyone so very willing to support the raffle. I was very lucky to acquire new sponsors this year. The prizes were valued at over €5,500. We had fantastic prizes with everything from hotel breaks, vouchers, a BBQ course, beauty hampers, drink and meat hampers, a TV, and a bike.
Success
"The local people and businesses of Firies and beyond really stepped up to the plate this year again and made this event another fantastic success raising a whopping €10,470 with one hundred percent of this money going straight to the charity."
She added that due to its success that she's planning to do it all again next Christmas, hopefully even bigger and better.
"No doubt I will do this all again and if there are any businesses who would like to come on board and support this event I would be very grateful to hear from them," she said.
"Thanks to our amazing sponsors and supporters because without their help kindness, generosity and support, this charity event, and others like it, simply could not take place."
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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