THE weather was not kind for a special event at Banna Beach last night as a tribute to those who have been affected by cancer.
The ‘Celebration of Light’ at the beach is a precursor to a bigger event to be held on Thursday August 18 at the Tralee Wetlands in aid of Recovery Haven, but it was decided to hold a local event for the people of the area as one of the organisers, Brenda O’Connor, explained.
“It’s for the locals here in the area to remember those who have passed and for those who are going through their cancer journey. People like to go to their own place for the celebration, so that’s why we’re keeping it going here in Banna,” said Brenda.
Over 50 people braved the wind and rain to turn up at the beach for the short ceremony, where there was a welcome from Mike Lynch and Susan Lacey taking people through the lighting of the candle and releasing of the stone into the sea, to signify alleviating the burden weighing on people.
Banna Sea Rescue also released a flare to the heavens as part of the ceremony.
The main ‘Celebration of Light’ is organised by Recovery Haven Kerry and will take place at Tralee Bay Wetlands on Tuesday, August 16 at 8pm.
It will be a beautiful and poignant spectacle with 2015 Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan signalling the simultaneous lighting and releasing of lanterns into The Tralee Bay Wetlands.
The ‘Celebration of Light’ has become a very important annual community event which gives an opportunity for all those whose lives have been touched by cancer to come together and share experiences and celebrate the lives of families and friends. Scroll down for photos…