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Presenting the proceeds of the ‘Evening With Roy Keane’ fundraiser were, in front; Eoin Kelliher of the organising oommittee and Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice. Standing; Marc Ó Sé and Mark Fitzgerald of the organising committee, Mari O’Connell, Director of Nursing at the Palliative Care Unit and Mike McMahon and Matt Moloney of the Organising Committee (masks were removed momentarily for photo). Photo by Dermot Crean
TENS of thousands of euro were raised at a fantastic charity event held at Ballygarry House Hotel last month, with the proceeds presented to Kerry Hospice on Thursday evening.
In all, €81,000 was raised from the ‘Evening With Roy Keane’ fundraiser in aid of the Palliative Care Unit in University Hospital Kerry after the event on Friday, November 26.
Ballygarry had the strictest protocols yet at any event held locally. Mandatory antigen tests accompanied by Covid-19 Vaccine Certificates with matching ID and temperature checks were required by each guest upon entry.
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Although the protocols may have been strict, it ensured a sense of safety for those attending.
The star guest travelled over from Manchester, taking time out of his hectic schedule to entertain the captivated audience in Tralee.
The committee members for the event were Eoin Kelliher, Anne Looney, Marc O Sé, Michael McMahon, Mark Fitzgerald and Matt Moloney, with each member playing a crucial role in the success of such a fantastic evening.
“It was an amazing night and everyone adhered to the strictest of COVID guidelines and procedures,” said Eoin Kelliher.
“Matt Cooper and Roy were both superb and everything went off so well. We were delighted to raise so much for the Palliative Care Unit and it’s an evening we’ll all remember,” he said.
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The Ballygarry team supplied a cosy drinks reception upon entry, followed by a sumptuous four course meal and music afterwards.
Following the meal, Roy spent 90 minutes on stage interviewed by Matt Cooper commenting on some of the highlights from his illustrious career. He even spoke about his desire to return to football management.
Some of the Kingdom’s well known sporting personalities such as Mick Galwey, Séamus Moynihan, Marc Ó Sé and Éamonn Fitzmaurice were in attendance, alongside many more of the Kerry team’s past players.
Commenting on the event, Padraig McGillicuddy of Ballygarry stated that; “We have to learn how to attend and host events again. This event proves that if we follow guidelines rigidly and screen accordingly everyone can have a great day. There’s only so much that we can do as hosts, every individual must be accountable to stop the spread of this virus.”
Maura Sullivan, on behalf of Kerry Hospice, thanked the organising committee members, Ballygarry House Hotel and everyone who attended, for contributing to such a phenomenal amount of money raised for the Unit.
