The Sullivan family, Mark, Kelly (hiding behind Daddy), baby Mark and Alana, from Cois Laoi at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment

News: Town Basks In Sunshine For Festival

MAGNIFICENT weather and quality family entertainment were the perfect ingredients for a successful Tír na nÓg Children’s Festival in Tralee over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Enjoying the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday were Sean Drummey, Ciara Drummey, Amy Scanlon and Daire Murphy. Photo by Dermot Crean
Enjoying the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday were Sean Drummey, Ciara Drummey, Amy Scanlon and Daire Murphy. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Sullivan family, Mark, Kelly (hiding behind Daddy), baby Mark and Alana, from Cois Laoi at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Sullivan family, Mark, Kelly (hiding behind Daddy), baby Mark and Alana, from Cois Laoi at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Deirdre O’Donoghue, Sharon Roche and Karen Kelliher at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Deirdre O’Donoghue, Sharon Roche and Karen Kelliher at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
William Kirby (back) with Emer Cotter, Saidbhe Cotter,Cara Kirby, Billy Kirby and Micheal Cotter enjoying the festivities at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
William Kirby (back) with Emer Cotter, Saidbhe Cotter,Cara Kirby, Billy Kirby and Micheal Cotter enjoying the festivities at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Huge crowds turned out to enjoy a variety of events organised by the members of Tralee Chamber Alliance, all aimed at attracting more visitors to Tralee during the Easter Holidays.

Darth Vader (Tony O’Halloran) with Milly and Monty O’Halloran at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Darth Vader (Tony O’Halloran) with Milly and Monty O’Halloran at the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The Tír na nÓg Children’s Festival will only remain successful if the local people who attended the various events put more effort into encouraging others – family and friends – from outside Tralee to come to Tralee for Easter. There was something good to do in Tralee almost every hour of the weekend while the fine weather was a bonus. Everyone who organised a child/family-friendly event or activity in Tralee deserves much praise and thanks from the local community.”

Over 200 kids registered for the first Children’s Fun Run in the Town Park on Easter Saturday, organised by three students on work experience from the IT Tralee.

All the participants – many in fancy dress outfits – received an Easter egg while everyone who attended the event enjoyed a walk/run in the park.

Another event with a fitness slant to it was the Bunny Fitkids Camp at Manor West Hotel on Easter Saturday where children between 5 and 11 were also presented with certificates upon the completion of the fun activities held throughout the afternoon.

The annual Easter Sunday Egg Hunt at Ballygarry House Hotel was booked out well in advance of the event while the Teddy Bears Picnic at Tralee Bay Wetlands and the Ballyseedy Garden Centre Family Days were also very well attended.

Caballs Toymaster staged two puppet shows and presented the Colouring Competition Prizes to children from a number of schools in the Tralee area.

Chef Mark Doe handing out some delicious chicken salsa wraps at the cookery demonstration in The Square on Saturday.
Chef Mark Doe handing out some delicious chicken salsa wraps at the cookery demonstration in The Square on Saturday.
Basking in the sunshine the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday were, at back, Diane Flaherty and Fiona O’Sullivan, Eric O’Sullivan (front), Shane O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan and Lucy Flaherty from Ballyheigue. Photo by Dermot Crean
Basking in the sunshine the Tralee Chamber Alliance Fun Run in the Town Park on Saturday were, at back, Diane Flaherty and Fiona O’Sullivan, Eric O’Sullivan (front), Shane O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan and Lucy Flaherty from Ballyheigue. Photo by Dermot Crean

Large crowds enjoyed exciting racing at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Good Friday and Easter Saturday and a major GAA Under 14 Football tournament staged at John Mitchels and Na Gaeil added to the fun and excitement of a busy Easter weekend in Tralee.

Many charities benefitted from the various events as MJs Diner donated 5% of their weekend turnover to local charity Kare4Kids, the Fun Run was in aid of the Children’s Ward at Kerry General Hospital, Ballyseedy Garden Centre supported Liam’s Lodge and Ballygarry’s Egg Hunt raised money for Barnardos.

Details of upcoming events in Tralee are available from www.tralee.ie; www.facebook.com/traleechamberalliance or contact Tralee Chamber Alliance on 066 7121472.