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Trade union uses pedal power to generate cash for counselling centre

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A GROUP of intrepid cyclists and trade union members got on their bikes recently to generate cash for SouthWest Counselling Centre in Killarney.

Every second year the Impact trade union holds a national conference, and an idea to cycle to raise funds from Dublin to the conference venue was hatched over 10 years ago by Dessie Robinson, assistant general secretary, Impact, and Eamonn Donnelly, national secretary, Impact.

In 2016 the conference was held in Killarney and these cyclists were joined by fellow trade union members and raised a substantial amount for four charities of which SouthWest Counselling Centre was one.

In the presentation of the cheque,for €8,000, Kevin O'Malley, Impact honorary treasurer and Kerry branch chairman, was filled with praise for the work that SouthWest Counselling Centre has done over 22 years, citing that often it goes unacknowledged after a client has been helped. The Kerry branch donated an additional amount as a token of their appreciation.

“The board of management, the staff and the clients of SWCC are very grateful to the Impact trade union, which showed another side to the union, which is very thoughtful and supportive of charities, having raised over €100,000 in the five years these cyclists have raised funds whilst clearly having fun!” said Lindsay Fredman, CEO, SouthWest Counselling Centre.

The cash will facilitate the continued provision of our affordable professional counselling which is unique in Kerry in that we offer counselling across the lifespan all under one service, she added. “The funds raised will ensure that provision of services to the most vulnerable in our community will allow us to continue to provide a lifeline for many people who are overwhelmed with despair, and through the process of counselling are able to find hope,” said Lindsay.

“SouthWest Counselling Centre will also use the funds raised to promote mental health wellbeing through workshops and materials focusing on healthy relationships, communication and ways to manage stress with youth, parents and older adults. By selecting us as a deserving charity it has elevated the visibility of the centre as well as counselling and mental health wellbeing, for which we are immensely grateful to the Impact trade union.”
 


 
Above: At a cheque presentation of €8,000 euro to Kerry LifeLine at SouthWest Counselling Centre following the Impact charity cycle from Dublin to Killarney were front from left, Dessie Robinson, assistant general secretary, Impact, Kevin O'Malley, Impact honorary treasurer, and Kerry Branch chairman, Lindsay Fredman, CEO, SouthWest Counselling Centre, and Eamonn Donnelly, national secretary Impact. Back from left are Ciara Irwin Foley, Denis Murphy, Nikki Wissell, Tim O'Leary and
Vera O'Leary. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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