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Urgent Appeal issued for ‘Drink Tea for MND’ fundraiser
Urgent Appeal issued for 'Drink Tea for MND' fundraiser
Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone has issued an urgent appeal to the Killarney community to support the annual "Drink Tea for MND" initiative this March. The fundraiser is the largest of its kind for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), providing essential financial support for home care and specialist medical equipment for over 470 people living with the disease across Ireland.
The importance of the campaign is highlighted by the growth of the association’s frontline services. In 2011, the IMNDA operated with just two nurses for the entire country. Following years of intensive fundraising—including major contributions from the late Fr Tony Coote and Charlie Bird—the association now employs seven specialist nurses. Last year alone, these nurses conducted 1,131 home visits to support patients and their families.
Organisers noted that 85% of the association’s income is derived from public fundraising events like tea parties. Last year, the initiative raised €150,000, which is critical for maintaining services. There is a strong local hope that the tradition of "having a cuppa" with neighbours can be harnessed once again to meet the rising costs of providing specialised care.
Christy Lehane, Chairman of the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, is leading the local appeal. Speaking at a recent campaign launch, Mr Lehane noted that while many people in the Killarney area have already pledged support, the need remains constant."Every week our seven nurses sit at kitchen tables across Ireland sharing cups of tea with people who have been diagnosed with MND. I will Drink Tea for MND this year, will you?"
Residents are encouraged to host a tea party, office tea break, or coffee morning at any time during the month of March. For those unable to organise an event, donations can be made online at www.imnda.ie or by calling 01 6703552.
French for All returns with expanded language courses
Killarney School of French, French for All, will resume its autumn schedule of language classes for children, secondary school students, and adults on September 14.
Led by native French teacher and course director Hélène Olivier-Courtney, the school offers in-person classes across Killarney and Killorglin, alongside online options.
In addition to private tuition, Olivier-Courtney is participating in the Department of Education’s Say Yes to Languages initiative across primary schools in Kerry. She is also working in partnership with Post Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) to deliver funded online training modules for primary school teachers seeking to upskill their language qualifications.
Originally from Tours in the Loire Valley, Olivier-Courtney has taught in County Kerry since 2004. The curriculum focusses on building practical communication skills and supporting exam preparation for state secondary assessments.
Alongside formal tuition, the upcoming term will incorporate cultural events including themed breakfasts, dinners, and quizzes, with plans underway for a student trip to France.
Further course information and enrolment details are available at www.frenchforall.ie.
Sem to host night at the dogs for South Africa trip
Students and teachers at St Brendan’s College are finalising preparations for a charity benefit night at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee on Friday, September 25.
The event aims to raise essential funds for a group from the school travelling to South Africa with the Mellon Educate programme to assist in building educational infrastructure.
A full programme of family entertainment is planned, including novelty races pitting students against staff members, music, raffle draws, and best-dressed competitions for men and women.
A meet-and-greet session with Kerry senior footballers will run from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Attending players include David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, Gavin White, Michael Burns, Evan Looney, Mark O’Shea, and Jason Foley.
An auction on the night features premium items including an overnight stay at Hayfield Manor and a four-ball golf package at Dromoland Castle Hotel.
Tickets cost €10 per person, while children under 12 enter free. Organisers stress that all tickets must be booked in advance via the school office or online QR codes, as no sales will take place at the turnstiles.
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