Tag Archives: Comfort For Chemo Kerry

News, WHAT'S ON

‘A Celebration Of Love’ At The Rose Hotel This Saturday

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At the launch of ‘A Celebration Of Love’ at The Rose Hotel back in November were, in front; The Rose Hotel’s C&B Manager Jennifer Dee with Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry. At back; The Rose Hotel’s Nicole O’Halloran with event host Billy Keane, Brid O’Connor and Cora Walsh of Comfort For Chemo Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE’S just days to go until a fabulous fundraiser in aid of a great cause when Comfort for Chemo Kerry host ‘A Celebration of Love’ — a dinner dance to be held on this Saturday in The Rose Hotel.

They are promising a night of fine food, dancing, ceoil agus craic. MCs for the night will be Comfort for Chemo Kerry’s patrons, Elaine Kinsella and Billy Keane.

They will have a few surprise guests on the night, with spot prizes galore and a raffle,with great prizes. The drinks reception is at 6pm followed by dinner at 7:30pm.

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Music on the night will be provided by Truly Diverse followed by a disco with DJ Chris Shortt. Tickets are on sale at €80 each on eventbrite by clicking here.

Proceeds from the event will assist Comfort for Chemo Kerry in their aim to help build and equip a standalone chemotherapy unit within the grounds of University Hospital Kerry.

This unit will provide clinical expertise and care delivery in an environment that affords comfort, dignity and respect for those who require chemotherapy services in Kerry.

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News, Sport

Memorial Match Raises Over €45,000 For Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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At the presentation of the cheque to Comfort For Chemo Kerry were, front row from left; John Doyle’s family – Mum Marie, Sister Louise, Wife Linda & Dad John with Cora Staunton, Comfort for Chemo. Back row from left; Brid O’Connor (Comfort for Chemo) and Killarney Celtic Organisers Karl McMahon & Tim Jones. Picture Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

A FRIENDLY soccer match in Killarney, which pitched League of Ireland side Kerry FC against quadruple domestic league and cup champions Killarney Celtic, has raised a phenomenal amount of money for a worthy cause.

The big event in Celtic Park was held to commemorate the memory of the late John Doyle, a Celtic and Kerry soccer legend, on the day after the 10th anniversary of his passing.

And the sensational news is that it raised an incredible €45,228.50 for Comfort for Chemo Kerry. Thrilled representatives of the charity received the cheque from the Celtic organising committee and members of the Doyle family.

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The big match, edged 1-0 by Kerry FC, attracted close on 800 supporters to Celtic Park and there was a wonderful family atmosphere on the night.

In addition to admission charges, an auction of sporting memorabilia took place – online prior to the match and during the half-time interval – and that helped swell the funds raised.

A Kerry jersey signed by David Clifford fetched an ultimate bid of €1,800 and a vintage Kerry training top autographed by Colm Cooper went under the hammer for €1,600.

Karl McMahon of the organising committee said the success of the event was unbelievable and everybody involved was delighted.

“We are blown away by the money raised and the generosity shown and we know it is going to a great cause,” he said.

Ten years have now elapsed since the passing of Killarney Celtic FC and Kerry Oscar Traynor Cup star John Doyle, who fought a long battle with cancer with great bravery and spirit, and he was very much in the thoughts of all those involved in this great fundraiser.

Comfort for Chemo is generating funds to build a €5 million centre of excellence for patients in Kerry who need chemotherapy and other oncological treatments. The stand-alone building will ensure the best care available is delivered in an environment that is welcoming, reassuring, comfortable and dignified.

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News

Comfort For Chemo Welcomes €17.2m Allocation For Oncology Services Development At UHK

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COMFORT For Chemo Kerry has welcomed the announcement of funding for the expansion and delivery of a state of the art chemotherapy day unit at University Hospital Kerry.

Yesterday it was announced that a capital allocation of €17.27 million has been specifically dedicated to the project. Management at University Hospital Kerry said the funding is a significant milestone in their journey towards enhancing cancer care services in our region.

“The Permanent Oncology Build will serve as a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with the latest medical advancements and designed to provide top-notch care for our patients,” read a statement on their Facebook page.

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Mayor of Tralee Cllr Mikey Sheehy, speaking on behalf of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, said; “This €17.27million capital funding will ensure the that cancer patients in the south west will have access to vital life-saving chemotherapy in the county and on their doorstep.”

“We will continue to fundraise and advocate for cancer patients and our goals are now even more ambitious after this announcement. While this funding will ensure the bricks and mortar element of the build, it is now essential that this project is delivered with a focus on patients, their families and staff and this is where Comfort for Chemo will step up to the plate with the support of the people of Kerry.”

“The provision of therapeutic equipment and spaces within the standalone unit will offer those patients, families and staff every support and care on those individual cancer journeys.

The charity has always endorsed the need for comfort for patients and hence our name. Chemotherapy can be a long and difficult road and Comfort for Chemo Kerry is committed to making this pathway that bit easier for patients,” said Mayor Sheehy.

Also welcoming the news, Sinn Féin Cllr Deirdre Ferris said; “This is a very welcome announcement. The Oncology Department has been moved from pillar to post in borrowed space for years. No set location, regular moves and uncertainty have led to unnecessary stress on both patients and staff.”
“Oncology services have been using borrowed space in the Palliative Care Department since 2020. This situation leads to reduced capacity for both Oncology and Palliative Day services.
This was the best location to protect the vulnerable patients on cancer treatments when the Covid Pandemic began. I hope that there will now be a quick turnaround in getting this much needed unit built.”

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News

Get Dolled Up For A Fun Charity Event In Listowel Next Month

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In Skelper Quane’s Blennerville promoting Dolly Day which takes place in Listowel on Saturday, June 24 were, in front; Cora O’Brien, Sharon Farrelly, Liz Horgan and Sarah Greaney holding JC. At back; Andrea O’Donoghue, Billy Keane, Maureen Curtin and Therese Greaney. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE’S just six weeks to go until a most unusual world record will be attempted in Listowel and the organisers are encouraging people from all over the county to get channel their inner-Dolly for great causes.

‘Dolly Day’ is an attempt to set a World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing a full head- to-toe Dolly Parton costume, in aid of The Kerry Hospice and Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

The organisers were joined by writer and publican Billy Keane in Skelper Quane’s in Blennerville on Thursday for a photo to drum up support for the event in the Tralee area.

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The idea is to create a new record by getting as many people as possible wearing a full head-to-toe Dolly Parton costume at Frank Sheehy Park in Listowel. There’ll be great entertainment on the day and some very special guests will be attending .

Costumes worn by participants must be based on clothes worn by Dolly Parton during a public appearance or performance.

The full list of criteria can be found on the eventbrite page where you can buy tickets at €30 (+ €3.15 fee) for the event. Remember, it’s for two great causes and it’ll be a lot of fun so head north to Listowel on Saturday, June 24th.

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Beauty&Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

PHOTOS: All The Glamour From The Hope Social At Ballyroe

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McCauley’s Pharmacy staff Christine Foley, Clair McEvoy, Madeleine Kelly, Brian Kearney, Aoife O’Dowd, Sharon Willie, Alison O’Brien and Tonya O’Brien at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT was a stylish affair at Ballyroe Heights Hotel last night as the inaugural Comfort for Chemo Kerry Hope Social took place.

It was a resounding success too with over 180 guests, many from University Hospital Kerry, paying €70 a head to enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a night of music, dancing, great food and chat.

Proceeds from the event will go to Comfort for Chemo Kerry to help in their aim to build, equip and provide comfort for patients undergoing Chemotherapy in a purpose build state of the art Chemotherapy unit within the grounds of UHK.

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MCs for the night were Comfort For Chemo patrons Elaine Kinsella and Billy Keane with a few surprise guests, including Kerry stars David Moran, Joe O’Connor and Tony Brosnan who brought Sam Maguire along with them to allow guests to pose for photos with the silverware.

There was also spot prizes and a monster raffle, while the entertainment came from the Pat Fitz Band followed by a disco with DJ Donal. Scroll down for photos…

Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy with his wife Suzanne Sheehy at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mary Fitzgerald, Mary O’Regan, Bridget O’Connor, Siobhan Hurley and Mary Horgan at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
MCs for the evening Elaine Kinsella and Billy Keane at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Laura Fitzgerald, Dwyane Prendergast Ciara Fitzgerald at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Margaret Kissane and Sean Kissane at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Norella Mansfield and Eamonn Fitzgerald at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cora Walsh and Sinead O’Connor at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mairead Enright and Ger Roche at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cora Walsh holding Sam with Kerry players David Moran, Joe O’Connor and Tony Brosnan at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Helen Brazil and Betty Culloty at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gerard Breen, Cliodhna O’Dowd, Marian O’Connor, Sarah Breen, Geraldine Moore, Mary Lynch, Donal Lynch, Elona O’Dowd at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Margaret O’Shea and Anne Condon at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sam Mansfield and Andrea O’Callaghan at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Regina Keating, Laura O’Connor, Leanne O’Connor and Helen Harrington at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Grainne Fitzgerald, Mairead Nolan Browne, Rose O’Dowd, Jerry Daly at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mary Ann Pigott, Ciara Knightly and Deirdre Ferris at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bríd O’Connor and Cathy Troth at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Brenda O’Connor and Martina Clifford at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary Fitzgerald with Anne and Fearghal Grimes at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Margaret Quirke and Mary Shea at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Maeve McCarthy Barrett, Yinka Etimiri and Mary Egan at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aoife Murphy and John Lynch at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pauline O’Donoghue, Denise O’Sullivan, Elaine Egan and Karen White at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ena, Emma, Marie and Padraig Nolan at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fiona Moriarty, Mary Brosnan and Sinead Moriarty at the Hope Social in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Comfort For Chemo Kerry To Host ‘Hope Social’ In Ballyroe Heights Hotel

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Launching the Comfort for Chemo Kerry Hope Social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel were Deputy General Manager of the Ballyroe Heights Hotel Patrick Windle, Therese Carroll, Mairead Carroll, Mary Fitzgerald and Elaine Kinsella of Comfort For Chemo Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean

HERE’S something to look forward to this winter.

Comfort for Chemo Kerry has announced the launch of the Inaugural Hope Social which will be held on November 12 in Ballyroe Heights Hotel.

Proceeds from the Hope Social will help Comfort for Chemo Kerry in their aim to build, equip and provide comfort for patients undergoing Chemotherapy in a purpose build state of the art Chemotherapy unit within the grounds of UHK.

“We would love for people to join us for dinner, ceol agus craic,” said Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort for Chemo Kerry. “The people of Kerry are always so generous and supportive of the charity and we are humbled by their response to this very worthy cause.”

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“MC for the night will be our wonderful patrons Elaine Kinsella and Billy Keane so entertainment and a good old story is guaranteed. We will have a few surprise guests on the night along with spot prizes and a monster raffle,” said Mary.

Drinks reception is at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7pm. Music on the night will be provided by the  brilliant Pat Fitz Band followed by a Disco with DJ Donal. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday September 10 at €70 each.

For further information on tickets please contact 087 1757885  or email info@comfortforchemokerry.com

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Business/Property, News

Tralee Company Kicks Off Christmas Charity Events

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TRALEE-BASED company ViClarity kicked off their annual array of charity events and this year it’s all in aid of Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

The team join together and get involved in a series of challenges for the month of December in order to raise funds for the local charity.

The event begins with ‘Are we there yet?’ where they will walk/run an average 150km over the course of the first week of the event.

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They will be kept on their toes for week two as they host an ‘Office Olympics’ event, followed by ‘ViClarity’s Boss Baker’ on week three and the finale will be Shocking Shirt or Christmas Jumper Day at the office.

ViClarity US team will also be getting involved virtually throughout each challenge. The ViClarity team is encouraging everyone to support them throughout the month of December. The donation page is now live on iDonate.ie https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11422119_viclarity–s-page.html.

Comfort For Chemo Kerry have an inspirational mission to build a purpose built,
standalone facility for those who need Chemotherapy and Oncological treatments, ensuring that the best care available is delivered in a welcoming and comforting environment.

The charity’s goal is to raise €5 million in order to provide this unit to the people of Kerry.

Neil O’Sullivan, Business Development Manager from ViClarity says: “With keeping
supporting local in mind this year the team collectively chose Comfort for Chemo Kerry.
Their goal of building a state-of-the-art Chemotherapy unit in Kerry is one we are happy
to get behind. We are looking forward to four challenges that are in store, all for a good
cause.”

News

Tralee Trio Raise €38,000 For Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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At the presentation of a cheque for €38,000 to Mary Fitzgerald (centre) and Mikey Sheehy (right) of Comfort For Chemo Kerry were, Daniel Bohan, Kieran O’Callaghan and Patrick O’Sullivan who completed a 24 hour challenge back in September. Photo by Dermot Crean

THREE Tralee men raised an incredible €38,000 for a local charity after taking on a gruelling 24 hour challenge on the Dingle Way back in September.

Kieran O’Callaghan, Patrick O’Sullivan and Daniel Bohan circumvented the Dingle Peninsula in a day by walking, kayaking, running, cycling, climbing, swimming and mountain biking on Saturday, September 4.

The results of their fundraising efforts culminated in the trio presenting a cheque to Mary Fitzgerald and Mikey Sheehy of the Comfort for Chemo Kerry charity foundation at the Rose Hotel on Friday evening.

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The challenge, now in its third year, was initiated by Kieran O’Callaghan who came up with the idea for the gruelling fundraiser following the loss of his beloved wife Fiona and his parents within a short time of each other.

Over the past few years €10,000  has been raised through the Dingle Way 24 hour Challenge but this year he was joined by Patrick and Daniel and set an ambitious target of €30,000, which they duly smashed.

Mary Fitzgerald and Mikey Sheehy expressed their gratitude for the lads’ efforts on behalf of Comfort For Chemo Kerry.

News

Linda Saddles Up For Virtual Cycle In Aid Of Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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Linda Woods

A WOMAN who received treatment at University Hospital Kerry Chemotherapy Unit is giving something back by taking part in a fundraiser next month.

Linda Woods is championing an incredible initiative for Comfort for Chemo, Kerry, the Round Ireland Virtual Cycle from May 1st to May 8th.

Linda and her fundraising team have over 30 cyclists, throughout Ireland, who will endeavour to cover the same distance collectively as the coastline of Ireland, which is 6,226kms.

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Due to Covid restrictions, they cannot complete the actual coastline of Ireland as originally planned.  Instead, each cyclist will cover a set distance in their own locality, all while adhering to the government Covid guidelines.

Many of these cyclists, are covering between 200 – 300km, as they are determined to achieve their goal. Linda and her team are hoping to raise one Euro for every kilometre cycled, therefore their goal is €6,226.

This fundraising initiative is personal to Linda and her family, as she has been a service user of the chemotherapy unit in UHK (University Hospital Kerry), in her own journey with cancer in recent years.

Linda has seen first-hand the immediate requirement for a stand-alone chemotherapy unit in University Hospital Kerry that would provide much needed comfort and dignity to cancer patients.

On her journey back to health, Linda was determined that she would spearhead a fundraiser for Comfort for Chemo, Kerry.

As a service-user, Linda described the setting in Kerry as “archaic”, however Linda has always pointed out that it is the setting and not the team, as she is glowing in her praise for the Oncology team in Kerry and the caring and kind support she received.

Linda and her team are asking people to donate online at comfortforchemokerry.com to support this ambitious fundraising initiative or alternatively hop on your own bike with family, friends or work colleagues between May 1st to 8th and fundraise for Comfort for Chemo, Kerry www.comfortforchemokerry.com

News

Comfort For Chemo Kerry Launches Online Fundraising Platform

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The Comfort for Chemo voluntary board. Back row; Paul Mc Carthy, Therese Carroll, Mairead Kelliher, Mikey Sheehy, Brid O’Connor. Front row; Cora Walsh, Mary Fitzgerald, Amanda Coulson.

COMFORT for Chemo Kerry has launched new online fundraising platform to continue fundraising in the time of Covid-19.

Comfort for Chemo is fundraising to build a centre of excellence for the patients of Kerry, who need chemotherapy and oncological treatments.

This stand-alone building will ensure the best care available is delivered in an environment that is welcoming, reassuring, comfortable and dignified. The fundraising goal is €5 million to build and equip a start of the art, purpose-built chemotherapy unit for the people of Kerry.

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Board member Mary Fitzgerald explained; “with the arrival of Covid-19 there is a greater understanding amongst people of how vulnerable cancer patients are during their treatment and how important it is to provide their treatment in an environment with the least exposure to the general public.”

Ms Fitzgerald continued; “in addition, we fully recognise that patients going through treatment need the support of family and friends around them and even before the onset of Covid-19, the limited space in University Hospital Kerry chemotherapy day-ward means that it was not always possible for others to be in the treatment area when their loved ones were receiving chemotherapy”.

This week, on the 10th of February, the Comfort for Chemo board members, members of the Oncology Medical and Consultancy team in UHK, patients and guests will join a virtual launch for the new online fundraising platform and website www.comfortforchemokerry.com

Comfort for Chemo is asking everyone to get involved in their Valentines campaign this week, whereby you can send a virtual greeting to a loved one, a lift we all need in this time of lockdown.

The new site covers fundraising ideas, corporate giving and in-memory funds, and all donations will go towards ensuring the care for Kerry’s cancer patients. To join the launch on the 10th of February, visit the Comfort for Chemo Facebook page for full details.

News

Bon Secours Staff Raise Funds For Cancer Support Charities

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Cllr Mikey Sheehy (second from right) of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, receives a cheque for €1,137.50 from Lil Hanafin of the Bon Secours. Also pictured are Bridie Byrne and Mairead Nagle from the hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean

TWO local cancer support charities received a boost yesterday when they accepted cheques for a total of nearly €2,300 at the Bon Secours Hospital.

Staff in the hospital canteen made up hampers before Christmas and sold them to fellow workers in the Bons with proceeds going to Kerry Hospice and Comfort For Chemo Kerry.

Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice and Cllr Mikey Sheehy of Comfort For Chemo Kerry were on hand to accept the cheques of €1,137.50 each on Tuesday.

Both expressed their heartfelt thanks to the staff for their efforts to help out the causes during what is a difficult time for charities, as their normal means of fundraising has been curtailed due to the pandemic.

Maura Sullivan (second from left) of Kerry Hospice receives a cheque for €1,137.50 from Lil Hanafin of the Bon Secours. Also pictured are Bridie Byrne and Mairead Nagle from the hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean

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News

Alan’s Epic Cycle Across Australia Raises Funds For Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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Alan Philpott presents a cheque to Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry accompanied by Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella (Comfort for Chemo Kerry ambassador) at The Rose Hotel on Monday. Also included is Marta Witkowska, Brid O’Connor (Comfort for Chemo Kerry), Betty O’Rourke, Mary Philpott and Emily Philpott. Photo by Dermot Crean

A MAN who took part in a charity cycle of over 4,000 kilometres from Perth to Sydney presented €1,180 to Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Monday.

Alan Philpott from Currow and his brother David, who now lives in Germany, flew to Perth in October to take part in the gruelling cycle, which was also a chance for the brothers to catch up.

“We started on October 18 and finished up December 9. It took us 40 days of cycling with two and a half weeks of rest days,” said Alan, who explained the heat provided a challenge on the journey.

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“Some days it was over 40 degrees and we couldn’t cycle in that, but we did cycle in the mid 30s alright. The closer we got to Sydney the bushfires had a massive impact. One of the days we couldn’t catch our breaths with the smoke and the temperatures were hitting 45 degrees.”

They didn’t take the coastal route either, so they went straight across the country which was even hotter.

“There was a lot of sleeping in tents at the side of the road or at truckstops and rest areas along the way,” said Alan.

Alan wanted to raise money for a local charity so he set up a gofundme page with proceeds going to Comfort For Chemo Kerry. Mary Fitzgerald from the charity expressed her thanks to Alan for his efforts.

News

Chain Gang Presents €6,000 To Two Charities After Fundraiser In Nicky’s Memory

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Mary Fitzgerald (centre) of Comfort for Chemo Kerry accepts a cheque for €3,000 from Chain Gang Cycling Club members, from left; Chris Murray, Avril Hewitt, Declan Murphy, John Murray, Fiona Ryle and David Elton. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE proceeds of a fundraiser held in The Meadowlands Hotel a few months ago, were presented to two charities on Friday night.

Tralee-based cycling club, the Chain Gang, held a table quiz and a bike raffle in the hotel back on November 15 in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry and the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

The bike they raffled was owned by the late Nicky Fitzgerald, a member of the club, and this raised €3,000 alone. Nicky was a hugely popular member of the club who passed away in October of 2o18 after a battle with cancer.

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The rest of the funds raised were from the table quiz and a whip-round by the Chain Gang members. Two cheques for €3,000 each were presented to representatives of the charities at the hotel.

Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, a sister in law of the late Nicky Fitzgerald, expressed her gratitude for the club’s efforts.

At the presentation of a cheque for €3,000 from Chain Gang Cycling Club to Kerry Hospice Foundation were, seated from left; Bridie O’Connor, Kerry Hospice; John Murray of Chain Gang; Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice and Fiona Ryle of Chain Gang. Back from left; Declan Murphy, Avril Hewitt and David Elton of the Chain Gang, Ita Behan of Kerry Hospice and Chris Murray of the Chain Gang. Photo by Dermot Crean

“On behalf of Comfort For Chemo Kerry and the Fitzgerald family, I really want to thank the club and appreciate their efforts to promote the charity. Nicky was treated in the oncology unit at UHK and had nothing but praise for the staff there. He would have really appreciated that the Chain Gang did this for charity,” said Mary.

Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice also thanked the Chain Gang — of which she is a member — for their generosity. “Nicky was such a popular member of the club and we’re delighted that they have raised funds for Kerry Hospice in his memory.”

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Talented Local Musicians Gather For Fundraiser In The Ashe Hotel

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Teresa Walsh and Mary Fitzgerald at the charity music night in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

A WONDERFUL night featuring the best of local ballad/ folk musicians and singers took place on Friday night at The Ashe Hotel all in aid of two great causes.

The ‘Ballad And Folk Night’ was held to raise funds for Tralee Community Responders and Comfort for Chemo Kerry with singers and bands performing including Spailpín, Flight of Earls, Ronnie Ryan, Sligo & Shenanigans, Joe & Pam, Dreams of Freedom, Declan McTaggart, Rising Tide and more.

It was a fantastic evening for any lover of music and organiser Mary Lynch was delighted with the night, thanking everyone for coming and those who helped her along the way.

“I want to thank Eileen Whelan from Paco, Audrey Moran and Barbara Liston for their help. Willie Kelly of Spailpín was fantastic, he organised all the musicians to come and did great fundraising. The Ashe Hotel has also been amazing,” said Mary. Scroll down for photos…

Bride Courtney and Sean Curtin at the charity music night in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Eddie Stack and Kate Reidy at the charity music night in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Julia O’Sullivan and Maureen Fleming at the charity music night in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mary Lynch, Eileen Whelan, Barbara Liston and Audrey Moran at the charity music night in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
News, SCHOOLS

Schools And Businesses Urged To Take Part In ‘Cookies For Chemo Day’

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Presentation students launch ‘Cookies For Chemo Day’ with teacher Elaine Dennehy, Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, Deputy Principal Chrissie Kelly and Bríd O’Connor of Comfort For Chemo Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean

A LOCAL charity has launched a tasty fundraiser encouraging schools and businesses to get baking and in doing so they might win treats of their own.

‘Cookies for Chemo Day’ will be held on Friday, December 13 and Comfort For Chemo Kerry are seeking the help of the secondary schools and businesses across Kerry to help them fundraise for a standalone chemotherapy unit by baking cookies and holding a sale in their school or workplace.

They have enlisted the help of Mark Doe of Just Cooking Cookery School who has very kindly given them a simple cookie recipe and also made a video of cookie making both of which are available on their Facebook and Instagram sites.

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“We encourage those participating to be as creative and inventive as possible , all we ask is that they have fun and spread some Christmas cheer for a great cause,” said Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry.

“As an added incentive the school or business who makes the most money will receive a Christmas hamper of sweet treats for the cookie cooks,” added Mary

If people want to send them photos of their cookies they will post them on their social media sites . They can send them to comfortforchemokerry@gmail.com Meanwhile, you can view their facebook page here and their instagram here. You can watch the video below

Entertainment, News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Ballymac Bar Hosts Table Quiz For School And Local Charity

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Loughlin Tuohy, Sharon Williams, Helen Tuohy and Robert Tuohy at the table quiz in the Ballymac Bar in aid of Coláiste Gleann Lí/Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

THEY had a lot to compete with, what with the Late Late Toy Show being on, but they held their own in The Ballymac Bar on Friday night for a fundraising table quiz.

Coláiste Gleann Lí held their annual quiz at the Boherbee pub to raise funds for the school and local charity Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

They had about 12 tables on the night and some questions in round one were in which state is Yosemite National Park? How many All-Ireland medals does Stephen Cluxton have and who is Sheldon’s girlfriend in The Big Bang Theory?

No bother to them! There were spot prizes donated by local businesses and Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry and John Creagh of the Ballymac Bar/Coláiste Gleann Lí expressed their thanks to prize sponsors and all who attended. Scroll down for photos…

Kieran Duggan, Doreen Duggan, Peter Duggan and Tony Duggan at the table quiz in the Ballymac Bar in aid of Coláiste Gleann Lí/Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Sarah Klein, Paivi Dowds, John Joe Roche and Sonya Dowds at the table quiz in the Ballymac Bar in aid of Coláiste Gleann Lí/Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Nicole Heaphy, Laura Fitzgerald, Lisa Heaphy and Ciara Fitzgerald at the table quiz in the Ballymac Bar in aid of Coláiste Gleann Lí/Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Gerard O’Carroll, Yann O’Carroll and Dominique O’Carroll at the table quiz in the Ballymac Bar in aid of Coláiste Gleann Lí/Comfort For Chemo Kerry on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, News, SCHOOLS, WHAT'S ON

Comfort For Chemo Kerry To Benefit From School’s Table Quiz

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Launching the Coláiste Gleann Lí fundraising table quiz were, front from left; John Joe Roche, Coláiste Gleann Lí; Grainne Mulvihill, Parents Council; Margaret Kenny, Colaiste Gleann Lí and Mikey Sheehy of Comfort for Chemo Kerry. Back from left; Students Caoimhe O’Gorman, Keelin O’Shea, Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, Aisling O’Connelll, and Zayad Abdemarazk. Photo by Dermot Crean

COLÁISTE Gleann Lí is preparing to host their annual table quiz on Friday night and they’ve brought a local charity on board this year.

The school holds an annual Table Quiz at the Ballymac Bar in Boherbee to raise funds for the school but this year they intend to donate half of the monies raised to Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

Tables of four are €40 and the quiz starts at 8pm. Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort for Chemo Kerry said they are delighted to work  with  Colaiste Gleann Li  and be part of this fundraiser.

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Their aim is to build a standalone Chemotherapy Unit within the grounds of University Hospital Kerry which will cost in the region of €5 million.

“This unit will provide must needed Chemotherapy services for the people of Kerry locally which negates the need for them to travel outside of the county and help ease the stress that the cohort of patients are already under,” said Mary.

“It is initiatives like this that bring communities together and this is a fantastic way of highlighting to the younger generation that working together is powerful when trying to achieve a common goal,” she added.  To reserve a table for the night, please contact the school on 0667122552.

News

Win €1,000 Worth Of Gear From Landers And Help Out Charity

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Launching the fundraising raffle for Comfort For Chemo Kerry to take place at Landers Outdoor World this Thursday were Emma Landers and Tim Landers of Landers Outdoor World and Mikey Sheehy and Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean

ONE of Tralee’s top retailers has teamed up with a local charity to give one person a chance to win a hamper worth €1,000 at a draw next week.

Landers Outdoor World at the Mile Height are hosting a customer evening on next Thursday, November 28 and they are having a raffle for the hamper with all proceeds going to Comfort For Chemo Kerry with the winner announced on the evening at 8pm.

“We’re selling the tickets from Saturday morning,” said Emma Landers of Landers Outdoor World.

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“The hamper contains a Goretex jacket, rain trousers, snug pack sleeping bag, rechargeable head torch and much more. It’s €5 for one ticket and three for €10,” said Emma, who added that Landers were delighted to get on board with helping out Comfort For Chemo Kerry.

Mikey Sheehy of the charity said they were thrilled that Landers decided to run the raffle and hoped the public would buy tickets. The customer evening takes place between 4pm and 9pm on Thursday.

News

WATCH: Hollywood Star Shows Support For Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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Actor Kevin Dillon.

A HOLLYWOOD actor has encouraged people to give their support to a Kerry charity.

Kevin Dillon, the star of HBO series ‘Entourage’ and numerous movies such as ‘Platoon’ and ‘The Doors’, sent a video to Cllr Mikey Sheehy who is involved in the Comfort For Chemo Kerry charity.

Mikey got to know Kevin when the actor came to Ireland back in 2013 with his brother Tim and the Tralee man took them out for a round of golf in Tralee.

Mikey stayed in touch with Tim and Kevin over the years and when Kevin heard Mikey has his own journey with cancer some time ago, he wanted to do something to show his support for the charity which was founded this year. Have a look at the video below…

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News, WHAT'S ON

Comfort For Chemo Kerry To Host Free Information Evening On Men’s Cancers

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Mary Fitzgerald and Mikey Sheehy launch the upcoming information evening on Men’s Cancers. Photo by Dermot Crean

COMFORT for Chemo Kerry will host a free information evening— ‘Maintenance For Men’ — on Men’s Cancers on Tuesday, November 19 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at The Rose Hotel.

One in three men get cancer every year . We need to take action and it is predicted that by taking action now by 2030 we can reduce the number of men dying from cancer by 25%,” said Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

“The key is early detection and education. We need to educate men on making healthier lifestyle choices which will help reduce the risk of cancer. By taking a few simple steps such as maintaining a good diet and taking action early, men can improve their chances of living a happy and healthy life,” she added.

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The news is good for men’s cancers with 9 out 10 men surviving prostate and testicular cancers if detected early. The purpose of the information evening is to  present the facts and not the myths surrounding men’s cancers and give advice on how to reduce risk.

Mr Billy Keane , Patron Comfort for Chemo Kerry will MC the evening. They have a panel of experts presenting which include from Consultant Oncologists Dr Richard Bambury and Dr Dearbhaile Collins, Health and Wellbeing expert Wayne Quillinan and Howard Jones will tell his cancer and survival journey.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Fantastic Line-Up Of Ballad Bands And Singers To Help Two Great Causes

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Launching the Ballad and Folk Night fundraising concert at The Ashe Hotel were, front from left; musicians Mick Kerins, Pamela O’Connor, Peter Tigge, Dave Buckley, Joe O’Connor and Willie Kelly. Back from left; Mairead O’Carroll (Tralee Community Responders), Mary Fitzgerald (Comfort For Chemo Kerry), Audrey Moran, Jimmy Murphy (TCR), Julie O’Sullivan (TCR), Dan Quirke (TCR), Eileen Whelan, Abbie O’Sullivan (TCR), Padraig Hanrahan (The Ashe Hotel), Camelia Draghici (TCR) and Mary Lynch. Photo by Dermot Crean

A LINE-UP consisting of the best of local ballad/ folk musicians and singers will entertain at a special fundraising concert this December at The Ashe Hotel.

It’s a who’s who of the local scene appearing with Spailpín, Flight of Earls, Ronnie Ryan, Sligo & Shenanigans, Joe & Pam, Dreams of Freedom, Declan McTaggart, Rising Tide and a host of more acts taking the stage on Friday, December 6.

They’re all coming together on ‘A Ballad And Folk Night’ to raise funds for Tralee Community Responders and Comfort for Chemo Kerry.

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Julie O’Sullivan, fundraiser of Tralee Community Responders said that “any proceeds received will ensure that the important service which enhances the National Ambulance Service can continue. We are totally self-fundedand rely on fundraising events such as this to keep the show on the road.”

Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry expressed her gratitude to the musicians who will give their time on the night to help raise funds for the charity.

Launching the Ballad and Folk Night fundraising concert at The Ashe Hotel were, front from left; Peter Tigge, Pamela O’Connor and Dave Buckley. Back from left; Julie O’Sullivan (Tralee Community Responders), Mary Lynch, Padraig Hanrahan (The Ashe Hotel), Mary Fitzgerald (Comfort For Chemo Kerry) and Jimmy Murphy (Tralee Community Responders). Photo by Dermot Crean

The main target of Comfort For Chemo Kerry is to develop a Centre of Excellence that would provide care for the cancer patients of Kerry and their families. It is hoped this will take the form of a separate purpose-built unit on the grounds of UHK.

It’s a one-off night not to be missed, so to buy your tickets, call into Paco on The Mall or call Mary on 087-1332179. Tickets also available on the door…if they’re not sold out!

Beauty&Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News, WHAT'S ON

Paco To Host Coffee/Fashion Morning In Aid Of Comfort For Chemo Kerry

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Eileen Whelan.

A TRALEE fashion outlet will hold another one of their great coffee/fashion mornings again on Friday, October 11, for a great cause.

The event was due to take place on Friday, October 4, but has been postponed due to Storm Lorenzo.

Eileen Whelan of  Paco on The Mall has organised the event to raise funds for Comfort For Chemo Kerry.

From 11am to 1pm, there’ll be teas, coffees and baked goodies as well as a fashion show showcasing their autumn/winter stock for ladies attending.

There will also be spot prizes and all are welcome to attend and donate to the great cause. The fashion store has hosted a number of similar successful events in the past which have raised cash for many great causes.

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Kerry Legends Help Raise Thousands For Charity At All-Ireland Preview Night

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Only the 52 senior All-Irelands for Kerry between them. In front; Ogie Moran, Ger Power, Ger O’Keeffe and John O’Keeffe. At back; Mikey Sheehy, Sean Walsh, Darragh Ó Sé and Marc Ó Sé at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

KERRY have a very good chance on Sunday. That was the general consensus from the GAA legends at a charity event in The Rose Hotel on Thursday night.

A Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview night was the occasion and there was a great crowd present to hear the opinions of legends of the game. Best of all, it looks like nearly €15,000 will be raised as a result of the raffle, auctions and a corporate dinner which preceded the radio broadcast.

Among the panellists being interviewed on stage by MC Tim Moynihan were legends from the great Kerry team of the 70s and 80s, Ogie Moran, Sean Walsh, Ger Power, Mikey Sheehy, John O’Keeffe and Ger O’Keeffe.

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Other former Kerry stars attending were Marc Ó Sé and Darragh Ó Sé while Mikey Sheehy Jnr and Mary Fitzgerald spoke to Tim about the importance of raising funds for Comfort For Chemo Kerry and the incredible care given in the Chemotherapy Unit at University Hospital Kerry.

“We’re overwhelmed by the success of the event. We’re delighted as it was a snap decision by the committee to do this just two weeks ago,” said Mikey Sheehy Jnr. “We want to thank everyone who donated items for the auction, everyone who came on the night, Tim Moynihan and the Radio Kerry team, The Rose Hotel and the special guests for giving their time.”

Among the items auctioned were an All-Ireland ticket, a Kerry jersey signed by the legends present, a four ball at Tralee Golf Club, an overnight stay in a deluxe room and dinner at The Rose Hotel and  a golf lesson with Shane Lowry’s golf coach, Neil Manchip which had a winning bid of €1,550.

It was a hugely enjoyable night and the opinions of the legends gives cause for optimism for Sunday. Scroll down for photos…

Ken Savage, Matthew Moloney and Alan Lyons at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Deirdre O’Mahony and Cathy Kerins at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Eoin Kelliher and Pa Daly at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Alan O’Connor, Niall Sheehan, Jack Watkinson, Chris O’Sullivan, Michael Greaney and Kieran Evans at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Therese Carroll, Cora Walsh, Amanda Coulson, Teresa Walsh, Mary Fitzgerald and Bríd O’Connor at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rena Hogan, Kay Karim and Namir Karim at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Dan and Emily Browne and Michael ‘Pixie’ O’Gorman at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elma O’Brien and her brother Michael O’Brien at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cathal Sheehy and Mike Carey at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The large crowd at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mikey Sheehy Jnr being interviewed by Tim Moynihan at the Comfort For Chemo Kerry Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

GAA Legends Are Panellists At Charity All-Ireland Preview Night At Rose Hotel

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IF you haven’t got an All-Ireland ticket yet, then this event might be one of your last chances to win a pair and a stay in a Dublin hotel.

A Terrace Talk All-Ireland Preview night will take place this Thursday in The Rose Hotel. The event is being held in aid of Comfort For Chemo Kerry and guests will include players from the four in a row Kerry team Ogie Moran, Sean Walsh, Ger Power, Mikey Sheehy and John O’Keeffe.

Other former Kerry stars attending will be Marc Ó Sé and Darragh Ó Sé and rugby legend Mick Galwey, while you’re guaranteed some laughs with Barry Murphy of Apres Match present.

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Radio Kerry’s Tim Moynihan will be the MC for the occasion and if you buy a ticket you are in with a chance of winning two All-Ireland tickets and an overnight stay in the Radisson Hotel.

Even Ger Loughnane is looking forward to it…

Doors open at 7.30pm and it starts at 8pm. Tickets are still available at €20 and if anyone wants to attend and be included in the raffle they can ring Paul McCarthy on 087-9352206 or Mary Fitzgerald 086-3648083.

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle, News

PHOTOS: Beauty And Style Tips At Carraig Donn Fundraiser

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Cora Walsh, Mairead Enright and Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry with Manage of Carraig Donn Tralee, Catherine O’Sullivan, at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was a steady stream of ladies heading into Carraig Donn on Friday evening for a special event benefiting a local charity.

The Bridge Street business was hosting a customer evening, with Comfort For Chemo Kerry receiving proceeds from a raffle. Kerry Rose Sally Ann Leahy was present to show her support at the night which was MC’d by stylist Danny Leane.

Ladies enjoyed prosecco or orange juice on arrival and were treated to a fashion show, while the ladies from the Estee Lauder counter at CH gave a make-up tutorial. Both CH and Carraig Donn offered discounts on products.

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Chairperson of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, Mary Fitzgerald, said she was grateful to store manager Catherine O’Sullivan for hosting the event and Catherine said she was delighted to help out.

The main target of the charity is to develop a Centre of Excellence that would provide care for the cancer patients of Kerry and their families. It is hoped this will take the form of a separate purpose-built unit on the grounds of UHK.

If anyone would like to get involved by organising a fundraiser for the charity, they can email comfortforchemokerry@gmail.com or call 086 364 8083. Scroll down for photos…

Kerry Rose Sally Ann Leahy with Karen Corridon and Ciara Cashman of CH Tralee, at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Brid O’Connor, Bridget O’Connor, Nicola Collins, Ellen Lynch and Chantelle O’Sullivan modelling fashions at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Maria Shalvey and Martina Hickey at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Madeleine Brosnan with Kerry Rose Sally Ann Leahy and stylist Danny Leane at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Maureen Weir and Noreen O’Brien at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Karen O’Carroll and Helen Tobin at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Liz Heaslip, Geraldine Savage and Majella Stack at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Alison McGaley and Margaret Cronin at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kelly Robbins and Michelle Bonner at the fundraiser in Carraig Donn on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Night Of Style At Carraig Donn For Comfort For Chemo Kerry

 

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Mikey Sheehy and Mary Fitzgerald of Comfort For Chemo Kerry with Carraig Donn store manager Catherine O’Sullivan and stylist Danny Leane looking forward to the fundraiser on Friday, August 16. Photo by Dermot Crean

A LOCAL charity will benefit from an event at a Tralee store next week.

Carraig Donn on Bridge Street will host a customer evening on Friday, August 16, from 6pm to 9pm with Comfort For Chemo Kerry receiving proceeds from a raffle, while there will also be donation buckets if people would like to contribute to the great cause.

MC’d by stylist Danny Leane, there’s prosecco on arrival, a fashion show at 6.30pm, the ladies from the Estee Lauder counter at CH will give a make-up tutorial and will give discounts of 15% on products. Carraig Donn will also have discounts of 25%. Everyone is welcome and it’s free entry.

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Chairperson of Comfort For Chemo Kerry, Mary Fitzgerald, said she was grateful to store manager Catherine O’Sullivan for hosting the event.

“We’re looking for people to host fundraisers for the charity, in fact there’s a shave and dye event in Portmagee this weekend and we’re involved with ‘threshing cancer’ in Beaufort next month.

The main target of the charity is to develop a Centre of Excellence that would provide care for the cancer patients of Kerry and their families. It is hoped this will take the form of a separate purpose-built unit on the grounds of UHK.

If anyone would like to get involved by organising a fundraiser for the charity, they can email comfortforchemokerry@gmail.com or call 086 364 8083.

News

New Charity Launches Campaign For ‘Cancer Centre Of Excellence’ At UHK

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Cllr Mikey Sheehy.

A KERRY-BASED cancer charity is launching a major campaign to develop a ‘Cancer Centre of Excellence’ at University Hospital Kerry.

‘Comfort for Chemo Kerry’ is planning a gala launch in September. Councillor Mikey Sheehy, a member of the ‘Comfort for Chemo Kerry’ charity committee, said; “After initial discussions with UHK management, ‘Comfort for Chemo Kerry’ are delighted that cancer and chemotherapy services in Kerry could potentially be expanded. The main target of the charity is to develop a Centre of Excellence that would provide care for the cancer patients of Kerry and their families. It is hoped this will take the form of a separate purpose-built unit on the grounds of UHK”.

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Mary Fitzgerald, Chairperson of newly formed charity, added that “the primary goal of our charity is to provide comfort to those in need of chemotherapy services in Kerry and we are delighted, that after early stage discussions with local management at UHK, this target is now firmly in place with both our committee and management at UHK on board.”

The charity has a number of patrons lending their help along with a hard working committee. Patrons so far include Radio Kerry presenter Elaine Kinsella, gaelic football legend Maurice Fitzgerald, Munster and Irish Rugby legend Mick Galwey and Listowel writer Billy Keane.