COMMUNITY SPIRIT: The Kerry Clubs Fair will take place at Killarney Racecourse next week. Front from l-r: Denis Doolan (Killarney Lions Club), Christy Killeen, Chapter 23 Credit Union, John Fuller (Killarney Lions Club President) and Nancy Hegarty (Active Retirement Group). Back from left are: Garda Darren Ronan (No Name Club), Megan Daly Tyrell (Killarney Racecourse), Ian Holohan, Donal McCarthy (Order of Malta), Helen Courtney Power (Chapter 23 Credit Union), Tim O'Donoghue and Assumpta Sweeney (KDYS) and Ronan Doyle (Lions Club). Picture: Eamonn Keogh

By Michelle Crean

If you’re up for a new challenge for 2020, then next week’s Kerry Clubs Fair is the place to visit to explore what clubs and societies have to offer.

Over 50 clubs have signed up to the event, which is free and open to the public, at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, January 26, from 2pm – 5pm.

With an attendance of 800 at last year’s inaugural event - where clubs explain about their volunteering opportunities and new activities - it’s expected that this year will be even busier.

“Last year’s turnout shows that people want to find out about clubs and other organisations that are active in their community,” Killarney Lions Club President, John Fuller, said.

“We are hoping that this year we can expand our reach and attract individuals from all over the county. So if anyone wants to get involved in something new for fun or recreation, the Kerry Clubs Fair will be well worth a visit.”

Killarney Lions Club is hoping that in addition to providing awareness about activities that people can get involved in, the Kerry Clubs Fair will help improve health and well-being by encouraging inclusion of people from all backgrounds in their local community, addressing isolation and promoting the benefits of volunteering to people of all ages.

Registered clubs this year include; Order of Malta, No Name Club, Local Link Kerry, Kerry Public Partnership Network, Killarney Triathlon Club, Foodshare Kerry, Men’s Shed, First Responders, Irish Countrywomen’s Association, Tidy Towns, Southwest Counselling, Ring of Kerry Cycle, Kerry Volunteer Centre, KDYS, Tralee Art Group, Toastmasters, Kerry Stars, Scouts, South Kerry Community Games, The Saoirse Foundation/BUMBLEance children’s charity, Macra Na Feirme, Killarney Active Retirement Group, Team Hope etc.

“We are delighted to be the main sponsor of the Kerry Clubs Fair this year,” John O’Regan, PRO, Chapter 23, Kerry and West Limerick Credit Union said. “As credit unions are embedded into the communities that they operate in, the clubs fair is a wonderful opportunity for people to support those clubs, by volunteering, learning a new skill and becoming involved in a new activity in your local community.”

Clubs and societies that are interested in participating can call 087 8343150 or email: killarneylionsclub@gmail.com.