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Kerry Parents and Friends ‘Biddy’ fundraiser goes online

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ONLINE: Members of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group, pictured here in pre-COVID-19 times, are taking their annual fundraiser online.

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By Sean Moriarty

 

One of the most significant fundraisers for Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) has been forced to go online as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

KPFA offer a wide variety of services in Kerry to over 300 people with intellectual disabilities. They provide a broad range of support experiences and operate 30 centres countywide in day, residential, respite, home support and outreach.

The Killarney-headquartered but county-wide charity relies heavily on local donations and fundraisers.

One of its biggest fundraisers is its annual ‘Biddy’ tour where local musicians dress up in period-costume to mark the annual St Brigid’s Day religious feast on February 1.

“The Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group would visit practically every pub in the county between mid-January and early February,” Marie Linehan, Kerry Parents and Friends Association’s Chief Executive, told the Killarney Advertiser. “That is not possible this year.”

The annual ‘Biddy’ tour earns the charity around €7,000 and the absence of this year’s event will leave a large hole in their fundraising efforts.

Instead, KPFA have decided to take the tour online, with videos of previous years events to be broadcast on both the Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association own social media channels. Viewers will be invited to make a donation to the charity while watching the videos.

Funds can also be donated by searching Kerry Parents and Friends Association Biddy Group on the GoFundMe.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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