Rowing across Dingle Bay to raise funds for KUH

KERRY University Hospital’s Oncology Unit has received a donation of €5,000 after a south Kerry crew rowed from Valentia to Dingle as a mark of gratitude for the unit’s work.

Oonagh O’Connor, who was treated at the unit twice – for breast and ovarian cancer – presented the funds to the hospital during last week.

Her husband, Muiris Walsh, was one of the men on board the traditional four oar boat, and was accompanied by fellow south Kerry men Dan O’Driscoll, Tony McGillicuddy, Paul Murphy, and cox Leo Houlihan on the three-hour journey to the famous west Kerry harbour.

Muiris organised the effort to show his appreciation for the treatment Oonagh received in 2014, and the funds will purchase equipment for chemotherapy patients showing signs of infection. The equipment will be able to quickly detect the stage of infection, allowing patients to be treated in a timely manner.

The crossing of Dingle Bay took place after several attempts had been thwarted by poor weather over the summer. Muiris and Oonagh thanked Dan, Tony, Paul and Leo for their participation, as well as ‘everyone who contributed to the collection or helped in any way.’

“We’d also like to thank all the staff in the Oncology Unit at KUH for the truly amazing care and support they provide,” the pair added.

Monies raised by the charity row will also be donated to Valentia Island Community

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Oonagh O’Connor, presented a cheque of €5,000 to Clinical Nurse Manager Theresa Walsh, at the Oncology Unit in Kerry University Hospital. Also included is Staff Nurse Oncology, Mairead O’Connor and Muiris Walsh.