MODELS STRUT STUFF FOR VERY SPECIAL SHOW
WHEN Kerry Hospice Foundation Killarney Branch Chairperson Pat Doolan spoke to The Kerryman ahead of the 2017 “Models in Recovery Fashion Show”, his main hope was that the people of Kerry would come out and support the show’s 24 models with as much enthusiasm as possible.
The 16 women and eight men, who have all experienced battles with cancer, were preparing to model clothing from a total of 10 boutiques and menswear outlets, and they were understandably nervous ahead of their big night at the INEC.
But, given that over 800 people attended the show, Pat’s wish for strong public support was granted, and after a superb start to the night – in the form of a performance by Spa’s All-Ireland-winning set dancers – the models got on to the catwalk, and the public’s enthusiasm helped the amateur catwalkers through any early jitters.
“We’ve been at this a few years now, and I suppose you tweak it every year through that bit of experience,” Pat said after the hugely successful show. “All the feedback I’m getting this year would suggest this was our best year yet, and that’s saying something because the shows of recent years were all brilliant in their own ways!”
After an evening wine reception, the models kept the massive crowd royally entertained for some three hours, and there wasn’t a lull in the atmosphere for a single second.
“TV3’s Noel Cunningham was our MC on the night, and he couldn’t have done more to bring the show to life,” Pat said. “His enthusiasm kept up for the whole night and there was never a dull moment.
“Last year we raised around €18,000, and while we aren’t sure just yet what this figure will come to, I’d imagine it’ll be somewhere in that region, and our funds will go towards the existing Palliative Care Unit in University Hospital Kerry and the new 15-bed unit set to open later this month.
“The night was a massive success, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the event in any way, big or small.”