News
Local organisation to mark its 50th year
By Sean Moriarty
Kerry Parents and Friends Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with a range of events across the county including at its Killarney headquarters.
Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) was established in 1973 as a support to families of people with an intellectual disability. The Association, which has a service in The Old Monastery, Port Road, provides community based day, residential and support services for more than 250 adults countywide.
The 50th anniversary celebration will start with an event in Tralee tomorrow (Saturday) when KPFA officially opens its new service in Godfrey Place at 2pm.
The main celebration will take place on June 24 at its Port Road premises.
This event is open to families of people the association has helped over the years, supporters, current and former staff members and anyone who wants to celebrate one of most significant charities in the county.
“It will be a fun day for everyone, with food and drink stalls, cakes and crafts, and many more,” said Marie Linehan, Chief Executive, Kerry Parents and Friends Association.
“It is our way of saying thanks to the community for 50 years of support. We hope everyone will have a wonderful day.”
As well as celebrating its Jubilee, the June 24 event will also mark the official opening of a new sensory garden in its Port Road facility.
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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