THEIR entertaining take on the local political scene earned the quick-thinking members of Killarney Legion GAA Club the number-one vote for best overall entry at tonight’s St Patrick’s Festival Cill Áirne parade awards ceremony.
Members of the club accepted the Sean O’Keeffe Perpetual Trophy at a packed gathering at the International Hotel. The club, which portrayed the Healy-Rae election campaign during the parade last Thursday, was heartily congratulated by all at tonight’s ceremony, which was led by festival chairperson Anne Marie Kennelly along with committee members. Anne Marie paid tribute to all who supported the event and thanked the media sponsor Killarney Advertiser, and the International Hotel which sponsored the prizes and supplied the venue for the awards.
Also addressing the gathering on behalf of the judges was Tracy Coyne who praised the huge creativity on show during this year’s carnival event. “Thank you all for thinking outside the box,” said Tracy.
The Michael Courtney Perpetual Trophy for the best interpretation of a theme was won by St Oliver’s National School, while the John Killer O’Callaghan Perpetual Trophy for the best sporting entry went to Ariels Gymnastics.
Killarney Camogie Club picked up the gong for best sports club and Craiceann Drummers won the trophy for best musical entry.
Bellview Woods Childcare was named best children’s group while the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association took a bow as best new entry.
Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club was named best voluntary group and the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative won the prize for most entertaining entry.
Joanne Barry Destiny Academy won the best activity group category and the imaginative folk at Barradubh National School were awarded the trophy for most original entry.
Raheen won on the double with Raheen Montessori Playgroup deemed the most stylish entry and Raheen National School winning the prize for best school,
Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club won the trophy for most imaginative while Lynes of Killarney was awarded the best shop window display prize.
McSweeney Arms Hotel was voted the best greened building.