News
Killarney teacher’s video raises funds for UHK
LOCKDOWN SONG: Killarney Community College teacher Mike Lynch recorded a song with his family to raise funds for University Hospital Kerry.
By Michelle Crean
One Killarney teacher didn’t let the lockdown boredom set in once school was over as he and his family recorded a song - social distance style – for charity.
Mike Lynch, who has been teaching Maths and PE in Killarney Community College for the last 10 years, teamed up with 15 members of his musical family, including his daughter Emma who has just finished Sixth Year at the school, with each videoing themselves singing at home.
The family chose Michael Jackson’s ‘We are the World’ and re-wrote it to ‘'We are the World - COVID-19', changing the lyrics to suit the present situation so many have found themselves in.
And they also added a GoFundMe page: ‘Lynch Family Support for UHK Tralee’ with a target of €500 to donate as a thank you to staff at University Hospital Kerry who are working on the frontline. However, with almost 40,000 views and hundreds of shares online, the video, individually posted up online by the family members, has so far raised approximately €1,400 with donations still coming in.
“It was my brother Jerry who came up with the idea, he was the brains behind it all,” Mike, speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week, said.
“My sister’s wedding last year was when we all sang together as a family for the first time and Jerry wanted us all to record a couple of lines for this. Then we started writing our own lyrics, there was 15 of us in total including my parents John and Lena and their grandchildren.”
Mike, who lives in Tralee, comes from a very musical family with many of them members of Tralee Musical Society.
He said that they’re overwhelmed with the response to the five minute-long project.
“It wasn’t easy doing it individually as Jerry had to learn new editing skills! It was great craic."
For the end of the video the family are united to complete the harmony of the song but remained socially distanced from each other.
"We had a target of €500 to raise and are overwhelmed with the response so far. They’re our own local frontline workers and deserve a bit of a dig out.”
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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