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A cheque for over €27,000, the proceeds of a recent fundraising cycle was presented to University Hospital Kerry. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
AN incredible €27,465 was raised from the enormous efforts of Denis Geaney and his ‘Team Geaney’ fundraising charity cycle of the Ring of Kerry in July.
The cycle, in aid of the ICU Department of University Hospital Kerry, was inspired by well known Kerry man Gene Tangney, of the Black Valley, Killarney, who had spent four months in ICU, after contracting the coronavirus.
This resulted in medical professionals at University Hospital Kerry placing him in an induced coma and ventilator to assist in his breathing for three months.
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The night before the cycle, Gene’s friends and family were greeted with the amazing news that Gene, though frail, had finally been released from University Hospital Kerry.
Gene was met with staff and management of the ICU at the hospital this week and it was very emotional for all.
Today Gene is in need of much rehabilitation and ongoing treatment and the recovery is slow. Gene also presented a framed picture for the ICU ward in grateful appreciation to the care and attention he received.
Speaking at the Hospital charity organiser Denis Geaney said; “We were absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised. The generosity of people never ceases to amaze me. Gene together with his partner Máire and close family went through hell and back, they are so loved and respected in Kerry. We felt this was a very positive and practical thing to do for Gene and the ICU department. Honestly it was the most enjoyable charity cycle in all my 37 years of the event.”
Gene, together with all the Tangney family, especially his son Feidhlim and daughter Fiadhna, partner Máire O’Grady, his dad, Dikey, sisters Siobhan, Susan, Irene, Mary Rose, brother Derry, nieces and nephews, Gary Christina, Claire, Michelle and Sinead are so grateful to the medical team and hospital staff in UHK.
Gene spoke at the emotional presentation; “I would like to pay tribute to Denis Geaney and his team for organising this wonderful and worthy event. I would also take this opportunity to thank each and every member of staff at the UHK and especially the team in the ICU, without them I would not be here today. To everyone far and who sent me messages of support and held a vigil for me during my darkest hour, thank you all. To my dad, my family and great friends, who have stood by me, thank you so much. Finally, to Máire my partner, thank you for your ongoing love and care, I’m forever in your gratitude.”
