Get July off to a roaring start with The Lions over breakfast in Christy’s

The doors will be open a lot earlier than usual at Christy’s come July 1 for a fundraising breakfast as The Lions’ second test match kicks off on the big screen.

In aid of both Listowel Rugby Club and the North Kerry Older Persons Maintenance Service, it’s about the best way going to enjoy an unusually early sporting event in the company of friends and fellow fans.

David Fitzgibbon is a man with a foot in both benefitting camps as Youth Officer with Listowel Rugby and Community Development Co-ordinator with the North, East and West Kerry Development, which operates the older persons service.

“We’re hoping for a great turnout with the proceeds split between both beneficiaries. The Older Person service has been running under manager Diana McCarthy for the past eight years, providing a handyman service for people who might be struggling with certain jobs as they get older – from cutting the grass to power-washing drives and doing a little bit of painting; without competing with local trades,” David explained.

Eight full-time workers staff the service, working across North Kerry to make life that bit easier for many elderly - at a rate of €30 for half a day and€60 for a full day’s work.

It’s work that makes the world of difference for so many of our older neighbours and one that’s in continuing need of the help of the public.

“We co-ordinate the work with the input of the active retirement groups of North Kerry, whose idea it was in the first place,” David said.

Meanwhile, Listowel Rugby this week started its new strength and conditioning training (every Tuesday from 6.30 to 8pm on the Cow’s Lawn).

“New players are always welcomed, from under-14 to adult level, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested, ” David said.

The club is also rnning tag rugby every Sunday from 10.30 - 12 noon for the summer with the club’s annual summer camp taking place in the first week of August running from 10am - 2pm each day, also in the town park. For more information on the Older Persons’ service contact Diana McCarthy on (086)6026866.

For more on Listowel Rugby’s various summer initiatives simply contact David Fitzgibbon on (087)9379121.

Photo by Domnick Walsh Getting ready for the big breakfast with the Lions at Christy’s were, from left: The host himself, Christy Walsh, Diana McCarthy of the North Kerry Home Maintenance Service for Older People (North and East Kerry Development) and Rugby Youth Officer...