MEMBERS of Tralee Art Group highlighted the group’s commitment to community wellbeing through the donation of original artworks to the Irish Kidney Association, Kerry Branch.
These works, inspired by the landscapes of County Kerry, will be displayed in the Association’s holiday homes located in Tralee and Killarney.
Members were at the Tralee home in Castlelawn, Killerisk on Thursday to present the works. The homes provide essential respite for kidney patients and their families, offering a peaceful environment for rest and recovery.
Continued below…
The addition of artwork aims to enhance these spaces, contributing positively to the emotional wellbeing of those who stay there.
Teresa Looney, Patient Liaison Officer with the Irish Kidney Association Kerry Branch, commented: “In 2006, we purchased a house in Tralee town to provide them with a much-needed break, which is also used by dialysis patients on an overnight basis.”
Members of Tralee Art Group Sinead O’Shea, Sharon Lavery and Karen Downs at the presentation of art to the Irish Kidney Association Kerry Branch’s premises at Killerisk. Photo by Dermot Crean“Due to phenomenal demand, we later purchased a second property in Killarney through extensive fundraising, with wonderful support from the people of Kerry.”
“These holiday homes are run by volunteers, and we are always striving to improve the experience for patients and their families. The addition of artwork to the properties, as well as to the Dialysis Unit at Kerry General Hospital, will make an enormous difference. We cannot thank Tralee Art Group enough for their generous donation of original artworks. We look forward to hosting its members in the Tralee house on 7 May, when the paintings will be formally donated and we can thank them in person.”
At the presentation of art by Tralee Art Group (TAG) to the Irish Kidney Association Kerry Branch’s premises at Killerisk were Susan Cahalane (TAG), Elsie Moore (IKA Kerry) Ber Earley (TAG), Brendan Herbert (IKA Kerry), Paudie Lynch (TAG) and Teresa Looney (IKA Kerry). Photo by Dermot CreanCaitriona Foley, Chairperson of Tralee Art Group, along with committee member Susanne Cahalane, who also volunteers with the Association, expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. They noted that the group is delighted to contribute in a way that enhances the environment for kidney patients and their families, with the hope that the artworks will bring comfort and lift spirits.”
