A

A novel fundraising initiative that saw pupils of one Killarney national school arriving to class wearing odd socks under their uniforms has raised an impressive €700 for the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

The principal and teachers in Tiernaboul National School in Killarney have never been sticklers for insisting on matching socks but, for one day only, there was a price to pay for those that turned up not wearing them last Thursday with multiple offenders caught in the act.

Principal Conor Gleeson was very happy to see odd socks dangling under the desks as it meant that it helped raise some funds for a charity that is very close to the school’s heart.

The fun promotion was in aid of Down Syndrome Day and, for a €2 penalty, the children were encouraged to turn up without their socks being the same colour or design.

Two of the pupils in Tiernaboul, Jessica Treyvaud and Niamh Foley, are members of the Down Syndrome community and they took pride of place on the day as their pals in the 53-pupil school supported the great cause.

In addition to what was collected in the classrooms, generous donations were also received from others, including the minor and U-16 footballers of Spa GAA Club who held an odd sock training night to join in the fun.

“Everybody was very generous and we were delighted with the support we received right across the community,” said principal Conor.

A cheque for €700 was presented by the school to Jessica’s dad, Mark, and Niamh’s mum, Breda, and it will go towards one of several great projects being undertaken by Down Syndrome Kerry.