Bill weighs in as Cullen’s biggest loser
AND SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP IS BIGGEST WINNER
KISKEAM’S Bill O’Sullivan emerged the success story of the 2018 Cullen and District Special Needs Association Weigh In after shifting three stone.
Supporters of the fundraiser from all over the greater Duhallow region and into East Kerry lost excess flab generated earlier in the year over the shorter days of winter and in doing so generated finance for a worthy cause.
And a healthier crew assembled at the conclusion of the 33rd annual Weigh In, where leading the way was Bill who shed a record breaking 42 pounds over a ten week spell.
“I’m thrilled to lose the weight. It took a concerted effort, keeping away from the table, chocolate , biscuits and taking up walking”, he said.
The Weigh In continues a most successful fundraiser undertaken by the progressive voluntary grouping Cullen and District Special Needs Association whose workload towards improving the quality of life for people with special needs is renowned for more than three decades.
During the course of the past 12 months, the Cullen and District Special Needs Association played host to a series of fundraising events, their diversity range from their appealing threshing and vintage festival to the generosity of groups, companies and individuals in providing regular donations.
The Weigh In remains very popular in the community. The annual event commenced in January and Millstreet based Doctor Patrick Casey was on hand on a weekly basis with his weighing scales and monitored the progress of participants.
Each of the participants responded by checking their diets thus the pounds and stone were shed with euros increasing.
At the closing night Dr Casey hailed all those involved in the weigh in.
“There was wonderful enthusiasm over the ten weeks from everybody involved. Without participants, there would be no Weigh In. Thanks are also extended to the wonderful enthusiasm of a dedicated committee”, he said.
A party atmosphere developed on the closing night. The Weigh Ins confirmed the dedication of volunteers and, of course, they brought along their sponsorship monies to confirm support to the Cullen and District Special Needs Association and related projects in Cork and Kerry.
In the gents section, sponsored trophies were awarded to Bill O’Sullivan, who lost a massive 42 pounds. In runner up position was former Millstreet, Duhallow and All Ireland Junior Football medalist Anthony Barry, losing 26 pounds with another key sportsman, Andrias O’Sullivan from Derinagree, the loser of 22 pounds.
In the ladies section trophies were awarded to Breeda Fitzgerald of Millstreet who emerged winner on forfeiting 24 pounds followed by Eileen Murphy, Millstreet and Dolores O’Connor, Cullen.
Most money was collected by Thade O’Mahony, who raised €275, followed by Pat O’Connor, Margaret Cronin, and Neally Lehane.
Chairperon Breeda O’Riordan issued a sincere thanks to Dr Patrick Casey for his involvement over the ten weeks and added thanks to all those involved in the jiving. .
“The music and the dancing allowed people enjoy themselves in addition to losing weight in the process and help the cause”, said Secretary Moira O’Keeffe.
Present at the formal presentation of cheques were Joanne Higgins, COPE Foundation; Neilly Lehane, St. Josephs, Charleville; Gillian Kenny, Kerry Parents and Friends Rathmore and Old Mon. Killarney.