Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Club were gifted an oak sapling by the Tree Council of Ireland. The saplings were presented to each Soroptimist club in Ireland, to plant in celebration of Soroptimist International’s Centenary.

The National President Mrs. Mary Kerr from Wexford, recently delivered in person, the sapling to Killarney President Mrs. Teresa Irwin.

Permission to plant the oak was sought from Kerry County Council and members from the Killarney club chose the ‘Maurice O’Donoghue Memorial Park' (Gleneagle Hotel) and new River Flesk path on Muckross Road.

The club has a connection with this park, 20 years ago they dedicated a bench in memory of their deceased members. Mrs. Sheila O’Donoghue, Gleneagle Hotel, who was one of the founding members of the Killarney Soroptimists.

At the tree planting ceremony, President of Killarney Soroptimist, Teresa Irwin, thanked members of Kerry County Council, and Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District Cllr. Marie Moloney for their support with the project.

“Cllr. Marie Moloney, has been most supportive of our club events over the years. As a women’s organisation, it was now wonderful to have her attend as Cathaoirleach. When Cllr. Marie was invited to speak, it was very evident that she had researched the history of our local club. She also asked how ladies can become involved. We explained that any woman over the age of 18 is welcome to join if they have empathy and an interest in the betterment of society,"said Teresa.

The Killarney Soroptimists major fundraiser is the annual charity pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday. This raises much needed funds for local charities and community groups.

“It is one of those events that people put on their calendar and attend year in year out. We were lucky to host it in 2020 just before Covid turned life upside down and we look forward to hosting it and welcoming all our friends back when we run it in 2022. “ added the club President.

The Soroptimist organisation was set up to educate, empower and enable women and girls to have a better life. Originally founded in Oakland, California in 1921, now there are 75,000 members worldwide including our local club.

Killarney Soroptimist Club was founded in 1963 and their first President was Mrs. Beatrice Grosvenor. The Club is proud to have one of Killarney’s founders, Elizabeth Mc Carthy, as an honorary member.