By Michelle Crean

Schools are once again working together to do something positive for one deserving local charity whilst remembering a very special person.

Seven schools including Holy Cross Mercy, Killarney Community College, Presentation Monastery, St Brigid’s Secondary, St Brendan’s College, St Francis Special School and St Oliver’s have come together to raise funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation (KHF) by holding a Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 17.

The multi-school act of charity, which began three years ago, will see staff, students and national school pupils wearing their best festive jumpers and making a donation to the charity.

This year’s fundraiser is in memory of Clare Quinlivan, a much-loved, and sorely missed, member of The Sem's school community who passed away just a few months ago, explained teacher Elaine Moynihan. She was also a past employee of St Brigid’s.

"This fundraiser is in her memory this year," Elaine told the Killarney Advertiser.
"Clare was the school accountant and she would have had role in our two previous fundraisers. Clare loved The Sem and everybody loved Clare. It felt right that our love for Clare was commemorated this year through this fundraiser."

She added that each year they change the charity, but felt it was right to support the KHF as Clare and her family, her husband Con, son Andrew who is a past Sem student, and daughter Lauren a former St Brigid's student, received wonderful support from them. Pat Doolan from KHF visited the students and explained that KHF costs over €10,000 a week to run.

And Elaine added that what began as a local fundraiser with a few schools close to the The Sem involved, has now grown to seven with other schools from the town and beyond.

"Last year we raised €5,500 so we're hoping to top that this year."