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The first ever Kerry Clubs Fair proved very successful as almost 800 people turned up to see Killarney Racecourse see what 50 clubs and organisations had to offer.

The fair, held on Sunday, is the brainchild of Killarney Lions Club and sponsored by Killarney Credit Union.

And, so unique was the event, that it even gained national attention last week when Ray D’Arcy got behind the event on his RTÉ 1 radio show.

“This was the first time we held the fair so we are very pleased with the turnout, and the feedback from the Clubs has been very positive,” Ronan Doyle, President of Killarney Lions Club, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“There was a lot of interest in what the clubs have to offaer, and most of the people who visited the fair signed up for something that caught their eye. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to those who worked at the 50 stands on the day, the faces behind the clubs and voluntary organisations that help form the fabric of our communities, they are true local heroes.”

Tom Barrett, from The Kerry Branch of Arthritis Ireland, one of the organisations represented on the day, said it was a great occasion.

“We greatly enjoyed the event,” he said.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to pass on valuable information and knowledge on how to manage arthritis to a large number of people who came along.”

Mark Murphy from Killarney Cycling Club added that they achieved in excess of 30 membership enquiries on the day.

“The event was a tremendous success and we look forward to taking part again next time,” he said.

Clubs that took part in the event included:

Men’s Shed, First Responders, Killarney Community Games, Toastmasters, Girl Guides, Lions Club, Tidy Towns, Killarney Camera Group, Southwest Counselling, The Rotary Club, Grace Baptist Church, Tralee Art Club,  Ring of Kerry Cycle, Laune Mountaineering Club, Killarney Drama Circle, Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society, KDYS, Killarney Tennis Club, Fossa Scouts, Killarney Camogie Club, Kerry Stars Special Olympics, Workmen’s Rowing Club, Order of Malta, Macra Na Feirme, Killarney Mountain Meitheal, Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA), 4th of July Killarney Festival, Killarney Valley Classics and Vintage, Killarney Musical Society, No Name Club, Killarney Badminton Club, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Sean Cháirde, Ross Golf Club, Arthritis Ireland Nordic Walking Group Killarney, Killarney Cycling Club, Comhaltas, Killarney Active Retirement Group, Team Hope, Killarney Credit Union, Kerry Canoe Club (Killorglin), St Pats Hurling Club, Killarney Mental Health, Dóchas Drama Group, Kerry Volunteer Centre, Spa Killarney Handball Club, Kingdom Gospel Choir, Rathmore Social Action Group, Kerry Parents and Friends, Killarney Celtic, Spa Killarney Handball Club, Tralee Lions Club, Cois Lí Camera Club, Beaufort Pioneer Association.

Killarney Lions Club would like to thank those who helped to make the day such a huge success: main sponsor Killarney Credit Union; Killarney Racecourse who provided invaluable assistance before and on the day; local media who got behind the event; Killarney Parish who allowed announcement of the event at Masses over the weekend; and finally the members of the public who took the time to attend the event.

For more information on the Killarney Lions Club pleaseemail: killarneylionsclub@gmail.com.