.Kerry Hospice Foundation Ambassador Deirdre Walsh (right) launches of annual Good Friday Walks with Maura Sullivan, Andrea O’Donoghue, Mary Shanahan and Michael Fox O’Connor.
THERE’S just over a week to go until people take to the roads around the county for the annual Good Friday Walks in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
There are over 2o walks taking place and Kerry Hospice Ambassador Deirdre Walsh officially launched the walks last week on the grounds of the specialist Palliative Care Units.
In Tralee, the walk will take place from outside The Grand Hotel from 10am. The Spa/Fenit Branch of Kerry Hospice will hold their walk from 10am at The Tankard, who will serve refreshments afterwards. Don’t forget to bring some cash so that you can contribute to their fundraiser.
.Katie Crean from Castlegregory handed over a cheque of €1,400 to the Kerry Hospice Foundation on Tuesday evening. Pictured receiving the cheque were: Maura Sullivan (Treasurer of the Tralee branch of Kerry Hospice Foundation), Katie Crean, Andrea O’Donoghue (PRO Kerry Hospice Foundation) and Mary Shanahan (Secretary of Kerry Hospice Foundation). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
A CASTLEGREGORY teenager presented a cheque for €1,400 to the Kerry Hospice this week after a fundraiser earlier this month.
Transition Year student at Mean Scoil An Leith Truigh, Katie Crean (15), grew her hair over the last three years knowing that she would eventually donate it to charity.
Earlier this month Tralee hairdresser Karina Sweeney from ‘Hair By Karina’ cut 14 inches off, which Katie has donated to the Rapunzel Foundation, a charity that makes wigs for sick children.
Continued below…
.
She set up a idonate page and eventually raised €1,400 between all the donations. Katie visited the palliative care unit earlier this week to present the funds and she thanked everyone who contributed.
Katie wanted to raise funds for Kerry Hospice as they were very good to her family two years ago when they needed them, especially the staff in the Palliative Care Unit.
IT’S not long now until one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Kerry Hospice takes place.
The annual coffee morning, sponsored by Bewleys, will be held at homes, pubs, clubs, hotels and businesses all over the county on Thursday, September 21.
The Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social For Hospice is one of the biggest days for Together For Hospice which is a national fundraising body for 26 specialist Hospice and Palliative Care providers in Ireland.
Continued below…
.
Every cent that is raised in Kerry stays in Kerry. Bewleys are in their 31st year of sponsoring the event and millions of euro have been raised for services right around the country.
If you want to host a coffee morning or find out where in Kerry people are hosting fundraisers in your area, contact the Kerry Hospice Foundation via their Facebook page by clicking here or on the website by clicking here.
THE HSE has launched an evaluation report of the Kerry Specialist Palliative Care Service (KSPCS) which highlights the importance of strong local leadership, consistent community support and adherence to national best practice, as factors in the service’s success.
Future plans under discussion for the service include five additional beds at the Tralee inpatient unit, an additional consultant post and an outreach service in Killarney.
The report, launched on Monday, was carried out by the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) and commissioned by the HSE/Cork Kerry Community Healthcare. The launch was co-hosted by Cork Kerry Community Healthcare and the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Continued below…
.
Speakers at the event included Head of Primary Care for Cork and Kerry, Priscilla Lynch; Prof Aine Carroll, of IFIC; Michael Fitzgerald, Kerry Hospice Foundation volunteer and a former Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare; Jack Shanahan of Kerry Hospice Foundation and Dr Patricia Sheahan, clinical lead for the KSPCS.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Tess O’Donovan said the report highlights the importance of strong community support for the service, with an innovative approach to funding and partnership with the Kerry Hospice Foundation leading to a locally-owned service that is still integrated into the national health system.
Clinical Lead, Dr Patricia Sheahan said that the report will be used to plan for the next phase of development for Kerry Specialist Palliative Care Service.
“The report clearly identifies the importance of a connected local leadership, harnessing local support but also adhering to a national clinical blueprint. As a service, we will continue to build on these important pillars as we work with the community to plan future developments.”
Dr Sheahan added: “Working in collaboration with Kerry Hospice Foundation, a series of engagement meetings will take place in communities across Kerry to discuss the next steps in the development of the service.”
Kerry Hospice Foundation chairman Jack Shanahan said: “Kerry Hospice Foundation is proud of what we have achieved for our community. The partnership we have forged with the HSE has delivered a world-class palliative care service. We have shown how a motivated community organisation, working with an engaged HSE, delivers. We strongly believe that this will continue to be the best model for our plans to enhance and expand our palliative care service.”
.The new committee of officers with Dr Patricia Sheahan, Dr Buckley, Dr Billy O Connor, Dr Mags Clifford and Director Of Nursing Mari O’Connell of the Kerry Specialist Palliative Care Units.
THE annual AGM of the Kerry Hospice Foundation took place last night with representatives from the branches all over the county present.
Officers were elected for the coming year. The fundraising commitee for 2023 is as follows: Chairperson Jack Shanahan; Vice Chairperson Jenny Tarrant; Secretary Mary Shanahan; Treasurer Eileen Sheehy; Vice Treasurer TBA; PRO Andrea O’Donoghue.
Others elected to the committee were Maura Sullivan (Tralee Branch) , Trish O Sullivan (Iveragh branch), Breda O’Callaghan (Spa/Fenit ); Julett Culloty (Killarney Branch); Evelyn Doody.
.At the launch of the Kerry Hospice Christmas Card campaign were, front from left; artists Linda Browne, Kevin Barry, Kate Shanahan and Mary McSweeney. Back from left; Tony Bergin of Kerry Group (sponsors), Ciara Griffin who launched the cards, artists Judy Cantillon and Teresa Horan, Jack Shannon and Ursula O’Connell of Kerry Hospice Foundation. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Kerry Hospice Foundation has launched its annual Christmas cards campaign. The cards were launched by former Irish Rugby captain Ciara Griffin at The Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday.
Once again the chief sponsors are Kerry Group who were represented at the launch by Tony Bergin. The cards are always a huge fundraiser for the Foundation with artists over the years giving so freely of their time to create wonderful works.
This year there are eight artists contributing their talents. They are Linda Browne, Kevin Barry, Kate Shanahan, Mary McSweeney, Judy Cantillon, Teresa Horan, Maureen O’Mahony and Jane Hilliard.
Continued below…
.
The Christmas cards will be on sale in selected shops and from branch members. A box of 10 cards costs €7.
Kerry Hospice Foundation is hugely grateful to all the artists, Kerry Group and also all the committee members involved in the campaign.
.Former Rose of Tralees from the past were in town this week and took time to promote the Hospice Foundation Coffee Morning Fundraiser to take place on Thursday, September 22. From left; Orla Tobin, Maria Walsh, Denise Murphy, Orla O’Shea, Sinead Boyle and Nicola McEvoy.
TOGETHER For Hospice – The National Hospice Movement’s annual coffee morning sponsored by Bewleys takes place in locations in Kerry and indeed all around the country on Thursday September 22.
This week some of the former Rose of Tralee winners took time out to give their support to the coffee mornings here in Kerry.
Now in its 30th year, Kerry Hospice is asking people in the county to simply gather a group on the day and do coffee your way, to look help raise much needed funds to support the work of the Foundation.
Continued below…
.
To register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 22, or on a date that suits you, contact the Kerry Hospice office on 066-7119070 or by email on info@kerryhospice.com to arrange coffee collection.
Hosts are provided with a Coffee Morning Pack containing Bewley’s coffee, posters, and invitations free of charge.
.Getting the walking shoes out for the Kerry Hospice Good Friday Walks were, front right, Andrea O’Donoghue with, at back, Mary Shanahan and Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice and Aine Moriarty, Clinical Nurse Manager at the Palliative Care Unit. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE annual Kerry Hospice Foundation Good Friday walks will take place right around the county on April 15.
In total there are 22 walks taking place from Ballinskelligs to Ballybunion and everywhere in between.
The walks have been hugely supported over the years but the get-togethers could not take place over the last two years due to COVID restrictions.
Continued below…
.
The Good Friday walks were first started in the 90s by the late Ted Moynihan who first started the Tralee walk and — like previous years — the Tralee walk is held in memory of Ted.
The following is the times and venues for the walks around Kerry…
• The Tralee walk will start at the Grand Hotel at 11am.
• Spa/Fenit 10am from the Tankard
• Castleisland at the Library at 11
• Ballyheigue 10am at the village
• Castlegregory 11am starting point the village
• Lixnaw 11am at Ballyhennessy loop.
• Ballybunion at 11am from the Barracks.
• Ballyduff 5pm Cashen Pier
• Listowel at 10am St Patrick’s Hall
• Killarney 10.30 Garden Restaurant Muckross House
Kerry Hospice Foundation pledges to fund €500,000 yearly to help with the running costs of the Day Unit, the inpatient Unit and the Home Care services.
They also hope to help to be able fund two new Nurse Prescribers in the near future. Without public support the specialist palliative care services and the facilities would not be possible.
.At the presentation of a cheque for the proceeds of the Hawley O’Sullivan Memorial Truck Run in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, were, front from left; Anne Marie O’Sullivan, Tom O’Connell, Tony Mitchell O’Sullivan, Mary Shanahan, Karen Maher Hayles, Jack Shanahan and Martin O’Sullivan. At back; Eamonn O’Connell, Paudie O’Connor, Noel Prendiville, Brian Hayles, Michael Maher, Urney Maher, Tim O’Mahony, Emma Hayles, Ciara Hayles, Darren O’Sullivan, Claire Kelliher and Richie Piercy. Photo by Dermot Crean
A FANTASTIC event held last year to remember a much loved Tralee man raised over €21,000 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
The Hawley O’Sullivan Memorial Truck Run was organised by Hawley’s niece, Karen Maher Hayles and saw over 100 trucks take part in the event back in October.
Hawley O’Sullivan, from O’Rahillys Villas was just 28 when he died on June 15, 1996 and the event, which took place from Fels Point, was organised to coincide with the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Continued below…
.
Hawley was well known in the trucking community having worked for O’Neill’s Transport and later Garyowen Transport, so it was no surprise the turnout was so impressive.
On Saturday, Karen, her family and people involved in the organisation of the event were on hand to present a cheque for €21,684 to the Kerry Hospice.
“We’re delighted, there were 107 trucks on the day so it was a brilliant turnout. It was a great day out and it was lovely that Haulie’s son Tony was there,” said Karen who thanked everyone who helped out and donated to the cause.
“We are thrilled with the donation,” said Jack Shanahan, Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation. “It’s been a phenomenal effort by Karen, her friends and family. Last year was a very hard for fundraising, as was 2020, so efforts like these go a long way towards funding palliative care at the unit.”
.Maura Sullivan, Kerry Hospice Foundation receiving funding from Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Bon Secours made donations today to two local organisations.
Kerry Hospice Foundation and Tralee International Resource Centre each received cheques on Tuesday from The Bon Secours Hospital Tralee Community Initiative Programme.
“We believe that, through our Community Initiative Fund, we can act as a catalyst in tackling social issues by assisting local charities and not-for-profit groups in the outstanding work that they are doing in response to the healthcare and related social and economic needs of the community,” said Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission at the Bon Secours.
Continued below…
.
In 2021 the Bon Secours donated a total of €75,000 in funding support to many charities and not-for-profit groups who reach out to the most vulnerable in the community.
“The Management, Staff and Sisters of the Bon Secours Hospital would like to sincerely acknowledge the valued work of The Kerry Hospice Foundation in the community on so many levels,” said Mr McCarthy.
“We were delighted to make a number of donations to Kerry Hospice Foundation in the course of 2021. We would also like to sincerely acknowledge the value service of the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) in our community,” he continued.
Sean Lyons, Chairperson of Tralee International Resource Centre receiving funding from Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean
“We are delighted to make a donation to the Centre in support of their engagement with the male asylum seekers living in Atlas House. This work has been so beneficial as prior to this they were relying on the men accessing the services of TIRC rather than a programme designed to reach them,” said Mr McCarthy
The plan for this funding support for Tralee International Resource Centre includes:
• Continuing clinics/drop in appointments for male asylum seekers to support all their queries re asylum, work visas, medical cards etc.
• Supporting them to find training and work opportunities
• Organising activities to support their integration – sporting events, social outings etc.
• Organising training in TIRC to support their job opportunities or to gain access to college courses
.Members of Bibi Dillon’s family, with the organisers of the fundraiser and Tarbert GAA members at he presentation of a cheque at Kerry Hospice Foundation on Tuesday.
A FANTASTIC sum of €9,326 was presented to Kerry Hospice Foundation yesterday after a fundraising juvenile football game in north Kerry a few weeks ago.
Tarbert Under 13s took on their Listowel Emmets counterparts in a the Bibi Memorial Cup on November 13 to remember Bibi Dillon, who passed away in May of 2020.
A iDonate page was set up, they had sponsorship cards and held a raffle on the day which resulted in such a huge amount of money raised.
Continued below…
.
It was Bibi’s wish to give back to Palliative Care team who cared for her in her time of illness. Her friends and family promised her they would do this and organised the fundraiser.
“We are overwhelmed with the support,” said Sharon Larkin, one of the organisers, who thanked Bibi’s husband Pa and their three children.
“Bibi will be happy that the Kerry Hospice is receiving this money to help other people. It’s an amazing cause close to all our hearts. Bibi is missed and loved everyday,” said Sharon.
She also thanked Bibi’s aunt and Tarbert GAA who hosted the match, especially John O’Connell, Marie Mulvihill and Kieran Foley.
Sharon thanked Eileen O’Flaherty, the Emmets under 13 team and coaches/management for playing in the match, Vincent Murphy for donating the medals and trophy and The Swanky Bar for having food and DJ afterwards.
She also thanked everyone who came on the day and anyone who donated in any way or helped filled sponsor cards, donated spot prizes, advertising, printing and decorations.
.Launching the Kerry Hospice Foundation’s Christmas Cards were Jenny Tarrant of Kerry Hospice; artist Jane Hilliard; Ronan Deasy of Kerry Group (sponsors); Christmas Card Committee Chairperson Ursula O’Connell; Liz Reidy, Clinical Nurse Manager (3) at the Palliative Care Unit and Mary Shanahan of Kerry Hospice. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Kerry Hospice Foundation’s Christmas Cards for this year were launched at the Palliative Day Care Unit on Friday.
This year’s selection of Christmas cards were unveiled by Liz Reidy, Clinical Nurse Manager (3) in Palliative Care Inpatient unit, artist Jane Hillard and Ronan Deasy representing Kerry Group who once again have sponsored the cards.
“This year the cards are dedicated to essential workers across all sections of society,” said Ursula O’Connell, Christmas Card commitee chairperson. Jane Hillard once again created the entire pack of cards this year titled ‘A Kerry Christmas’.
Continued below…
.
“The images of Kerry are as a result of our very close association with Kerry Group, our wonderful card sponsors. This project is wonderfully supported by Ronan Deasy and Kerry Group and has been for many years and we are truly grateful to them for the continued support over the last 25 years.”
The Christmas cards have raised huge funds over the years due to the generosity of the people of Kerry and beyond who continue to buy the cards.
“We are, as always, grateful to you all who continue to support the Foundation,” said Ursula.
The Kerry Hospice Foundation is in its 3rd year of its pledge and are now in the early days of providing support for two nurse practioners for Kerry in the future.
The pledge is now in the region of €650,000 yearly to keep all the services within both units and the Home Care services going.
This would not be possible without the generosity of the public, Hospice volunteers and all the businesses throughout the county that continue to support the Foundation.
A pack of ten cards costs €7 and can be bought from Kerry Hospice branch members as well as various outlets around the county.
.The launch of the Vintage Car and Tractor Run in aid of Kerry Hospice taking place from Blennerville Windmill car park this weekend. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S a very busy week of fundraising for the Kerry Hospice Foundation with their big coffee morning fundraiser taking place tomorrow at venues around the county.
There’s a very different fundraiser to close out the week though, when a tractor and vintage car run will take place on Sunday from Blennerville Windmill Car Park.
Organisers are asking for all to meet at the Windmill car park. Cars are asked to assemble from 10.30am, leaving at 12.30pm.
The tractors are asked to assemble there from 11.30am with them leaving at 1pm. Donations will be taken on the day and for any enquiries call Seán on 087-2254569.
.Mairead Fernane (centre) with Jack Shanahan and Mary Shanahan of Kerry Hospice Foundation. Photo by Dermot Crean
A STALWART of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, Mairead Fernane, has retired from duties after 15 years.
Mairead got involved in the Foundation in 2006 and was treasurer since 2015. She said the decision to step down was a difficult one and it was a huge privilege to work for such a worthy cause.
“It has been inspiring to know that the efforts of the volunteers has enable the qualified and caring staff in Suaimhneas, the Day Unit, the Instay Care Unit and hospitals throughout the county to offer genuine care to those who need it,” she said.
Continued below…
.
“I know I will miss the work and friendships, but I will always look back with genuine pleasure and a sense of fulfilment on my time with the Hospice,” she said.
Mairead thanked all involved for their support over the years and especially the branch treasurers who were so co-operative and supportive to her over the past six years.
Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, Jack Shanahan, thanked Mairead for her years of service.
“Mairead has steadfastly represented the best interests of the Kerry Hospice Foundation. It was a huge duty of trust and responsibility, one she has looked after with great honesty, care and dedication,” he said.
“While it is a time tinged with sadness, the loss of a familiar face in a demanding role, it is also a time for gratitude. From all your friends and fellow volunteers, thank you Margaret,” he added.
At the presentation of €5,000 to the Kerry Hospice Foundation by the Chain Gang Cycling Club at The Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday evening were, front from left; John Murray of the Chain Gang and Maura Sullivan accepting for Kerry Hospice Foundation. Back from left; David Elton (Chain Gang); Bridie O’Connor (Kerry Hospice); Pat Keohane (Chain Gang); Avril Hewitt (Chain Gang); Ita Behan (Kerry Hospice) and Seamus Cotter (Chain Gang). Photo by Dermot Crean
THE proceeds of three fundraisers held over the past year were presented to the Kerry Hospice Foundation at The Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday.
The Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club held a ‘Spin Into Spring’ event aimed at getting people out cycling earlier this year.
They held a coffee morning event at The Meadowlands Hotel last September and they also sold cycling bottles sponsored by McElligott’s Garage to members and reusable cups, sponsored by Casey Stephenson Accountants, were also sold to club members.
“I’m involved with the Chain Gang myself so I know they’re a great club and we’re delighted they chose to support Kerry Hospice with the fundraisers,” said Maura Sullivan of Kerry Hospice.
The Chain Gang will continue to organise fundraisers during the forthcoming year, but will choose another local charity to support this time.
.The Aherne family presenting a cheque to Kerry Hospice Foundation at the weekend.
A KILLARNEY family presented the Kerry Hospice Foundation with a cheque for over €14,000 after a running event fundraiser.
Jennifer Aherne organised the event in memory of her dad, Brendan Aherne, who passed away on September 14, 2020 from a rare and aggressive Neuroendocrine Cancer.
“From the moment of diagnosis in January 2020, dad was so strong, positive and always hopeful,” said Jennifer. “He was gentle, caring and funny, he had an appreciation of nature and the outdoors and had a lovely calm and laid-back way about him. Our family try our best to live each day by his example. Dad was a carpenter, bee-keeper, bird watcher and avid soccer fan with a love for the simple things in life.”
Continued below…
.
Jennifer chose to fundraise for Kerry Hospice Foundation because this is where Brendan spent his last days.
“My mother Noreen and my brothers Jason and Rory are beyond grateful for the amazing care and kindness shown to him at the Palliative Care Centre in Tralee,” said Jennifer.
“Dr Maggie Clifford led a dedicated team who ensured that dad was comfortable and pain free. They also supported our family in such a difficult time, and we will never forget their kindness. We are so lucky to have such a great facility in Kerry,” she said.
Jennifer ran 300km over the a ten week period and her cousin Joe Aherne from Kilworth, County Cork also ran 30km each week. A cheque for €14,060 was presented to Kerry Hospice at the weekend but the link to this fundraiser is open until the end of May and any more donations would be greatly appreciated. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11399441_in-memory-of-brendan-aherne.html
.The presentation of a cheque for €106,000 at Listowel Mart on Friday.
KERRY Hospice Foundation was presented with a phenomenal amount of money raised from a mart sale recently in memory of a Moyvane man.
41-year-old, John McGrath from Moyvane had oesophageal cancer and passed away in January of this year. John had himself raised €50,000 for the palliative care unit in the past.
Last month, over 300 calves from farmers all over the country were donated for a charity sale at Listowel Mart on March 24.
Continued below…
.
The response was amazing and on Friday, his fiancé Erin Stack along with her family, the McGrath family and friends presented a cheque for €106,000 to representatives from Kerry Hospice Foundation.
“To date they have raised total of €106,000 which is truly overwhelming,” said Andrea O’Donoghue of Kerry Hospice.
“Again the people of Kerry and the support you continue to give is amazing, but this event went countrywide with donations of calves coming from all parts of the country. We are hugely grateful to all in Listowel Mart, all who donated calves, ferried them, bought calves, donated to the go fund page and all who supported in any way,” she said.
“To Erin, the McGraths, all your family and friends all we can say is thank you. This event was organised in a short period of time and the funds raised is down to the huge effort that was made by Erin and all involved.”
.The Christmas Cards were unveiled by Dr. Patricia Sheahan, Consultant, in Palliative Care Medicine, on Thursday, from left Ursula O’Connell, KHF, Jane Hillard Artist, Dr. Patricia Sheahan Consultant, Frank Hayes Kerry Group and Mary Shanahan Sec KHF. Photo: John Cleary.
THE new set of Christmas cards launched by the Kerry Hospice Foundation on Thursday last by Patricia Sheahan, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, which this year contains a message of hope for the times we live in.
Also present at the launch was artist Jane Hilliard, who again designed the entire pack of cards, which is called ‘A Kerry Christmas’, inspired by places in the county.
Jane has been a regular contributor to the Christmas cards for years and works as a full-time professional painter.
Continued below…
.
Kerry Hospice is confident that more cards will be sold this year because of the times we live in and they have changed the greeting on the inside to include a message of hope which is much needed.
Kerry Hospice thanked Frank Hayes and Kerry Group for their sponsorship of the cards which enables all money raised through the sales to go towards the Foundation.
A pack of ten cards costs €7 and can be bought from Kerry Hospice branch members as well as various outlets in the county and in Jane Hilliard’s gallery in Tralee Shopping Centre.
It’s a vital fundraiser for the Kerry Hospice Foundation and around €40,000 is raised each year from sales of the cards which is now in its 28th year.
.Chris Murray of Casey Stephenson Accountants, Avril Hewitt and John Murray of the Chain Gang Club and James Kelleher of Casey Stephenson Accountants, at the coffee morning organised by the Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club in aid of Kerry Hospice at Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S a very different Kerry Hospice Coffee Morning this year, but a few events still went ahead at hotels around Tralee.
The event is one of their biggest annual fundraisers, last year realising around €70,000 in the county. The Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club hosted a coffee morning kindly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel.
The club has recently been busy raising funds for Kerry Hospice. Cycling bottles sponsored by McElligott’s Garage and sold to members raised €1,000, reusable cups, sponsored by Casey Stephenson Accountants, were also sold to club members again raising €1,000.
Continued below…
.
The proceeds from these two initiatives will be added to the total from the coffee morning and presented to Kerry Hospice.
Also on Thursday, Ballygarry House Hotel once again held a collection in The Brasserie and Owen Macs Bar, with customers giving generously to the cause.
Usually people host events in their own homes with neighbours calling around to visit, however, because of public health guidelines and restrictions on the amount of people allowed to gather in homes, they were asking people to contribute in a different way this year, by donating via a justgiving page.
People were also encouraged to hold coffee mornings in a safe manner outside if weather permitted, while adhering to public health guidelines.
David Elton, Tomás Crowley and Pat Sullivan at the coffee morning organised by the Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club in aid of Kerry Hospice at Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Heather MacIver of The Meadowlands and John Murray of the Chain Gang at the coffee morning organised by the Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club in aid of Kerry Hospice at Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael O’Sullivan, Angel Hussey, Leanne Hussey, Joanie Hussey and Jerry O’Sullivan at the coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.David Elton, Maura Sullivan, Gemma Lougheed, Nuala Finnegan and Mary Shanahan at the coffee morning organised by the Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club in aid of Kerry Hospice at Meadowlands Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanDebra Been and Aidan Leen at the coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Edona Neziri, Sarah Twamley and Chloe Kelliher at the coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanPaula SIlles, Caroline Healy and Rebecca Roche at the coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mark Reidy, Margaret Conway, Margaret Enright and Eileen O’Regan at the coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Donal Prendergast presents €2,725 to Joe Hennebery of Kerry Hospice Foundation. Also included is Gary, Mary, Shanda, Becky and Lisa Prendergast and Mary Shanahan. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERRY Hospice Foundation received over €12,000 from two separate fundraisers on Tuesday afternoon.
Donal Prendergast from Killorglin was at the Palliative Care Unit with his family to present a cheque for €2,725 to the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Donal decided to do a head and beard shave and chest and back wax on July 31 to give something back after his father Dan received great care at the Palliative Care Unit prior to his passing in January 2019.
Continued below…
.
Donal had his head and beard shaved for free at James Barber Shop in Killorglin but had the waxing done at his house. “I had plenty volunteers to inflict pain there!” joked Donal.
Meanwhile, Michelle Greaney and Andrea O’Donoghue also presented a cheque for an incredible €9,300 to the Kerry Hospice after their Kerry Hospice Sunflower Day Virtual Run/Walk fundraiser held during the June Bank Holiday weekend.
Michelle Greaney presents €11,300 to Joe Hennebery of Kerry Hospice Foundation. Also included is Andrea O’Donoghue and Mary Shanahan. Photo by Dermot Crean
“There’s always such great support for the Kerry Hospice,” said Michelle Greaney. “It was win-win situation all around with people getting exercise and it was great for mental health. There was loads of families taking part and we also had donations from people taking part in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Thanks to everyone for taking part.”
.Members of the Abbeydorney Vintage Rally Club present a cheque for €7,386 to Kerry Hospice Foundation.
WHILE COVID-19 is scuppering many fundraisers this year, determined members of the community are still doing their best for worthy causes.
The past few days have seen the Kerry Hospice Foundation receive over €8,500 from two separate events.
Brothers Brian and Conor Reidy from Tralee raised €1,141 when they held a bake sale recently, which was well-supported by the local community.
Continued below…
.
Meanwhile, the August Bank Holiday Weekend saw a more subdued Abbeydorney Vintage Weekend, but there was nothing scaled down in terms of the fundraising efforts of the community.
On Friday, the organisers presented a cheque for €7,386 to Joe Hennebery of Kerry Hospice Foundation. They held a Vintage Tractor Run on Saturday, August 1 and a Vintage Car Run the following day where the local community showed their generosity.
Conor and Brian Reidy make a presentation to Joe Hennebery of Kerry Hospice Foundation on Friday.
.Anne Kelliher, Andrea O’Donoghue, Tommy Horan and Michelle Greaney promoting the Kerry Hospice Sunflower Day Virtual Run. Photo by Dermot Crean
DON’T forget that a vital fundraiser is taking place this weekend to help out the Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care Unit, especially since Sunflower Day has been cancelled.
The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting fundraising campaigns for the Kerry Hospice so a local woman decided to help organise an event for this weekend
Michelle Greaney, AAI run coach, along with Andrea O’Donoghue of Kerry Hospice, is organising the Kerry Hospice Sunflower Day Virtual Run/Walk that will take place between Saturday, May 30th and Monday, June 1st.
Sunflower Day is cancelled this year and this usually generates huge funds for Kerry Hospice /Palliative Care so they are trying to make up the shortfall.
“Because races are unable to be held for a few months due to Covid-19 having such a huge impact and because running is such a big part of our lives, I have proposed a virtual run that will ensure the safety of all involved,” said Michelle.
“It needs to be run in accordance with government guidelines, either solo or in small groups of up to four people. Distance options are 5k/10k and half marathon to keep us active, healthy and motivated,” she added.
It is an open donation and there will be medals provided for everyone that run/walks made by Trophyworld. You can screenshot your run summary and post it to the facebook and Instagram page, using hashtag #kerryhospice and #sunflowerdayrun.
Medal can be collected (location to be decided) or postage will be arranged by contacting info@kerryhospice.com. There is a trophy for fastest male/female over the 5k/10k and half marathon.
“Every cent raised through this virtual run will be used by Kerry Hospice to go towards the campaign to raise over €400,000 to fund and aid the running costs of the Inpatient Unit and the Day unit and we also have a pledge of €100,000 to help fund the Home Care services,” said Andrea O’Donoghue of Kerry Hospice.
“We still have a few more years of this yearly pledge left and with more plans to expand the services to come the fundraising must continue. We are hugely grateful to Michelle who has organised a number of events for the Foundation and is always a wonderful support.”
.Michelle Greaney (front right) presenting a cheque for €2,200 to Kerry Hospice Foundation representatives Andrea O’Donoghue and Dan Galvin. Also included is Claire O’Connor, Ita Greaney, Orla Greaney and Megan Barrero. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE proceeds of a road race event last weekend were presented to a local charity on Friday.
Michelle Greaney of MG Coaching organised the third annual Tralee 10 Miler/5k race on Sunday last, where hundreds of runners took part in what was a hugely successful event in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Michelle presented a cheque for €2,200 to Andrea O’Donoghue and Dan Galvin at The Rose Hotel on Friday. “We raised €50o more than last year so it shows the event is growing,” said Michelle. “It’s a huge feelgood factor being able to hand over this amount of money to Kerry Hospice.”
Continued below…
.
“With the postponement of the race due to weather two weeks earlier, we thought we might lose people but it ended up being even more successful. We’re looking forward to next year’s race,” added Michelle, who thanked all who helped her, especially her family, including mom Ita, sisters Joan and Orla and nieces Sarah and Megan.
It’s not the end Michelle’s fundraising endeavours for Kerry Hospice this year. In October she is organising the ‘Tralee Endurance Challenge’ of which more details will follow.
Dan Galvin of Kerry Hospice thanked Michelle for her efforts. “She has been a tremendous fundraiser for us over the past few years. We appreciate all the events held in aid of the Hospice around the county and we welcome people who have ideas for holding fundraisers,” he said.
IF you fancy testing your general knowledge and the possibility of winning a few prizes, then this is for you next week.
The Spa/Fenit branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation will host a table quiz next Thursday, February 27 at 8.30pm in The Oyster Tavern.
They are encouraging everyone in the community to come out and support the palliative care unit through the event. A table of four is just €28 and there’s a raffle and loads of spot prizes up for grabs.
Miriam O’Callaghan and Katie Gannon of RTE launch the Light To Remember fundraiser with Kerry Hospice volunteers Maura Sullivan, Andrea O’Donoghue and Margaret Crean.
VOLUNTEERS from the Kerry Hospice Foundation were at RTE Studios in Dublin on Tuesday where two well-known faces helped launch an upcoming fundraiser.
Andrea O’Donoghue, Maura Sullivan and Margaret Crean met up with Kerry Hospice patron Katie Hannon and her Prime Time colleague Miriam O’Callaghan to officially launch the ‘Light To Remember’ Virtual Tree which is now officially live online .
You can now get your ‘Light To Remember’ light for someone special and leave a tribute in the live tribute book . The lights will be available online until the end of December and will also be sold by Kerry Hospice volunteers in the near future.
Continued below…
.
The Light To Remember ceremony will take place at 5pm on Sunday, December 8, on the grounds of University Hospital Kerry. Each light costs €5 and will shine throughout the festive period.
.In front; Lisa McElligott (who received the Sunflower Hospice Hero honour on behalf of her mother Deirdre) and Margaret O’Shea. At back; Mairead Moriarty, Christine Gallagher, Mary Kelly, Norma Lee and Marie McSwiney of Spa/Fenit Hospice at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot Crean
PEOPLE who have done sterling work for the Kerry Hospice Foundation over the years were honoured at a special event in the Palliative Care Day Unit at University Hospital Kerry on Thursday night
Seventeen men and women (although three couldn’t make it on the night) were honoured with local ‘Sunflower Hospice Hero’ awards which recognise the efforts of volunteers in branches of the Kerry Hospice Foundation around the county.
Radio Kerry’s Deirdre Walsh introduced each deserving recipient individually and they accepted a certificate and medal from Joe Hennebery, Chairman of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Continued below…
.
It was a wonderful social occasion and a chance for volunteers from around the county to meet each other.
Branches represented were Tralee, Spa/Fenit, Killorglin, Castleisland, Iveragh, Listowel, Ballyduff, Ballyheigue, Killarney, Annascaul, Castlemaine, Castlegregory, Lixnaw, Glenbeigh and Dingle. Scroll down for photos…
In front; Denise Sheehy, Josie Stackpoole and Kitty McCarthy. Back from left; Patricia Heffernan, Noreen Flaherty, Christina Bucley and June O’Connor (missing from picture Siobhan Stack) from the Lixnaw branch at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Orla O’Brien, Carmel O’Brien, Breda O’Sullivan and Margaret Naughton of the Killorglin branch at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot CreanMarian O’Connor, Eileen Murphy, Tess Fitzgerald and Catherine Horan of the Castleisland branch at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Bridie O’Connor, Margaret Crean, Ita Behan, Breda Moynihan and Pearl Browne of the Tralee branch at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot CreanJosephine Stackpoole (Lixnaw) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Billy Cotter (Castlemaine) accepting his cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation ‘Sunflower Hospice Heroes’ night. Photo by Dermot CreanAnita Doody (Iveragh) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Eileen Brosnan (Tralee) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPearl Browne (Tralee) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mary Casey (Ballyheigue) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanKathleen O’Connor (Annascaul) accepting her cert from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Breda O’Sullivan (Killorglin) accepting her award from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRuth Bowler (Castlegregory) accepting her award from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mary O’Sullivan (Listowel) accepting her award from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMargaret Sheehy (Dingle) accepting her award from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCatherine Horan (Castleisland) accepting her award from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPat Doolan accepting on behalf of Phyllis O’Sullivan (Killarney) from Joe Hennebery, with MC Deirdre Walsh at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMembers of Tralee and Spa/Fenit branches at the Kerry Hospice Foundation Sunflower Hospice Heroes Awards on Thursday night. In front; Mairead Moriarty, Eileen Brosnan, Pearl Browne, Lisa McElligott and Marie McSwiney. At back; Margaret O’Shea, Bridie O’Connor, Mary Shanahan, Ita Behan, Margaret Crean, Norma Lee, Christine Gallagher and Mary Kelly. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Ted Moynihan receiving a citation to mark his civic reception from Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Tom McEllistrim. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A MAN who helped raise €11 Million over 27 years for a cancer charity in Kerry was honoured with a civic reception on Monday.
Ted Moynihan of the Kerry Hospice Foundation was given the civic reception by the Tralee Municipal District at Kerry County Council buildings in Rathass.
The ever humble Tralee man thanked his wife Breda, volunteers and the people of Kerry that have helped the foundation achieve its goals after four decades of incredible fundraising.
“Without their generosity and help, none of it would have been possible,” said Ted.
Continued below…
.
“I would like to thank the council because, without a doubt, it is a great honour and it’s a great honour for the Hospice,” said Ted.
Ted has been instrumental in developing palliative care in Kerry and a new €6.2 million euro, 15-bed palliative care unit in University Hospital Kerry, which is unique to any facility in Ireland outside the major cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
The staffing at the unit will be funded by the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
“We’re extremely proud of that. We don’t have all the money but we’re not too far away, I can tell you that much,” said Ted.
Mayor of Kerry Cllr Pat McCarthy, thanked Ted Moynihan for his tireless work he has done for the people of Kerry and called for Ted to be awarded ‘Kerry Person of the Year’.
“Ted is not only a gentleman and a very well respected member of the community but what he has achieved is beyond belief,” said Cllr Pat McCarthy.
“Because of his work and the people who helped him, the lives of many people now are much better. There are facilities that are there now that weren’t and they wouldn’t be available in the near future without his help,” he added.
In the time since the Kerry Hospice Foundation was founded, it has helped between 10,000 and 11,000 sufferers of cancer and their families in Kerry.
Civic reception honored Ted Moynihan with family and Kerry County Councillors. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.Chairperson of Kerry Hospice Foundation, Ted Moynihan, turns the sod at the new in-patient palliative care unit at Kerry General Hospital. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
IT was a joyous afternoon at Kerry General Hospital as chairperson of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, Ted Moynihan, turned the sod on the planned new in-patient palliative care unit.
Work can now begin on the €6.2m project which will have 15 in patient beds en-suite rooms. The turning of the sod also marks 25 years of the Kerry Hospice Foundation, where in that time they raised €12m for cancer patients in the county.
Minister Jimmy Deenihan praised the work done by the Kerry Hospice Foundation, which is an entirely voluntary organisation who raised funds for the new unit with the help of charity initiatives.
“This is a really special day for Ted Moynihan and all the people who fund raised with him for the last 25 years,” said Minister Deenihan.
“It’s a great day for Kerry, this was done with Kerry money, being built by Kerry builders and Kerry architects and no doubt Kerry craftspeople working on site as well,” he said.
Ted Moynihan, thanked the people of Kerry for their ongoing support and generosity, “Without them it wouldn’t be possible,” he said, leaving with this thought; “I hope that any of you won’t need the hospice, but the hospice will always need you.”
Scroll down for photos…
.At the turning of the sod at the in-patient palliative care unit were, from left: Nuala Finnegan, Ursula O’Connell, Marie Claire Stacey, Denis Mannix and Ted Moynihan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor..At the turning of the sod at the in-patient palliative care unit were, from left: David Buckley, Treasa O’Donovan, Monica Sheehan, Christy O’Connell and Mayor of Tralee Tom McEllistrim. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the turning of the sod at the in-patient palliative care unit were, from left: Andrea O’Donoghue, Aileen Diggins, Linda McMahon, Mary Nolan, Carina Kelliher, Aine Moriarty and Mary Quinlivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.Pictured at the launch 2015 coffee morning initiative are the Hospice committee members front, Ted Moynihan, Chairman, Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan, Mairead Fernane, KH, Back, Bridie O’Connor, KH, Margaret Crean, KH, Ita Behan, KH, Marie O’Connell, Palliative Care.
THE Rose of Tralee was on hand to help Kerry Hospice promote their big coffee morning fundraiser next month.
Elysha Brennan turned up at Kirby’s Brogue Inn on Wednesday morning and met members of Kerry Hospice for a photo to promote the offee mornings/evenings on the day of Thursday, September 17.
Kerry Hospice Foundation are encouraging all businesses and organisations to get involved.
All proceeds raised from these mornings will be going towards helping the building costs of the new Palliative Care Inpatient Unit in Kerry General Hospital.
The new building is set to cost the Hospice upwards of the €5.5 million mark with an additional €400,000 set to be donated by the foundation over the first year of its opening.
It will have 15 inpatient beds with en-suite rooms.
For more information about holding your own coffee morning, please contact the fund raising sub-committee KHF spokesperson Ted Moynihan at 087 670 5014.
Climbers after finishing the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
THE Kerry Four Peaks Challenge has come and gone for another year with last weekend seeing 17 local and non-local climbers take on the toughest peaks that the Kingdom has to offer over a gruelling two day period.
The climbs were more than just a physical challenge for those taking part, they were also part of a larger fundraising campaign by the group as they looked to raise some much needed funds for the ‘Kerry Hospice Foundation’.
It has proven to be a huge success with climbers having so far raised a huge €2,000 for the hospice, with more donations expected to to come in during the next few days and weeks.
Kevin Maguire was one of the main organisers behind the trek, which saw the group make the arduous climb up Carrauntuohil, Mt Brandon, Purple Mountain and Cahir Mountain.
“It was very good now,” said Kevin, talking recently to TraleeToday.ie. “We started off last Friday morning at about 7.30am and we went up Carrauntuohil first. There was about 17 of us, there were people from Dublin, Wexford, Limerick, Tipperary, all over the country really. We had someone who came over from America as well,” he continued.
“The weather was mixed on the way up [Carrauntuohil] but it cleared when we got to the top which was very nice, and after that we headed up Purple Mountain, just on the Gap of Dunloe. We had lovely weather for that too as well, it was beautiful.”
“We had an early start again on the Saturday morning as we headed up Cahir Mountain, and we were very tired at this point. Then after this, we headed over to Mount Brandon where an extra 12 people met us there. We had a few well earned pints then after all of it on Saturday evening I’ll tell you,” Kevin laughed.
Well earned indeed after four difficult climbs, but the climbers can rest up now and start planning for next year’s event, it’s only 51 weeks away after all.
Scroll down to see some photos from the weekend…
Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.Climbers at the ‘Kerry Four Peaks Challenge’ this year in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
IT’S not long now until one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Kerry Hospice takes place.
IF you fancy testing your general knowledge and the possibility of winning a few prizes, then this is for you next week.
