Gillian, Sophie and Emily Twiss at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
TRALEE gained another new shop today after the official launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry Shop’ by a Kerry footballer went down a treat for all those that attended.
The shop which is located on 11 High Street, just opposite the Kerry School of Music has been open just three weeks, but has already garnered a great reputation amongst the townsfolk with organisers and volunteers at the shop saying that donations have been flying in.
Balloons, music and face painting signalled the party atmosphere intent of the day as the crowds slowly started to gather to celebrate the launch.
Kerry footballer, Kieran O’Leary, was on hand to lend his support to the day and was asked to cut the ribbon (albeit after a few attempts with a slightly dull scissors) to officially open the shop, to vociferous cheers from everyone gathered.
“It’s been going fantastic. We’ve been open just over three weeks now and we’ve been getting phenomenal support,” said volunteer Rachel Fitzgerald when speaking to TraleeToday.ie on Friday.
“We’ve got a huge amount of donations coming in and some great volunteers on board. We have a lot of our adult members now working in the store who are getting valuable work experience. So, overall it’s going absolutely fantastic,” she continued.
“There’s been a much higher turn out [on Friday] than we expected. Kieran O’Leary has been absolutely fantastic and the kids were delighted to see him. The younger ones also loved Mickey, Minnie, Elsa and Anna. We’ve had face painting, raffle prizes, so overall it’s been great,” she said.
The shop is currently looking for extra volunteers so if you or anyone would like to join, then please contact Rachel Fitzgerald on 086-8692256.
Eleanor Fitzgerald, Stephen Fitzgerald, Charley Harris and Katelyn Diggins at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
The 321 Down Syndrome Kerry Shop was launched recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
Naomi Lawlor, Cormac Lawlor, Diarmaid Lawlor and Fiona Sheehan at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
Volunteers and members of the public celebrate the official launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
Mary Clare McCarthy with Kerry star Kieran O’Leary at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
Katelyn, Brenda and Megan Diggins at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
Helena Donovan, Peppy Fitzgerald, Sorcha Thibeaud and Eánna Thibeaud at the launch of the ‘321 Down Syndrome Kerry’ Shop recently. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.
