Packed weekend of sport and spraoi for launch of mental health charity

SPORTING enthusiasts will have no shortage of entertainment this weekend with a huge array of activities organised in West Kerry to launch the ‘Cairde - Friends Matter’ charity, which aims to provide a support network and essential facilities for people with mental health issues.

Co-founded by Tadhg Ó Beaglaoich, whose father is from West Kerry, the national charity, which will be based in Kildare, aims to address mental health issues on three fronts: providing secure housing, establishing peer-to-peer networks for people with mental illness their families and friends, and working with schools so that children will be better able to recognise and cope with the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

With the assistance of clubs and individuals in West Kerry, Tadhg has organised an enticing series of events for sports fans. Balls of all shapes and sizes will be in the air across the peninsula and all are welcome to take part or watch the events. Tadhg is particularly grateful for the support they have received from Liam Óg Ó hÚigín who was hugely instrumental in the event coming to West kerry.

The first ball to make an appearance, will be in Ceann Sibéal golf course where tee times are available for teams of four on Friday between 1pm and 4pm and on Saturday morning from 7.30 - 11am. Later on Friday there will be a gathering at the opening night in Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry.

The clubs on the peninsula have gone all out to support this launch with Saturday full to the brim of the best of what West Kerry sport has to offer, including a climb of Mount Brandon from Baile Breac at 9am and a Slea Head cycle, leaving from the Hillgrove at 9am, with registration at 8.15am.

Soccer kicks off at 10am, with teams from Galway, Kildare and Dingle playing a mini competition, the final of which will take place at 1pm.

Caithfear isteach an liathróíd ag 10.30rn i bPáirc imeartha Phobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, áit in a mbeidh cluichí ar súil idir Bóthar na Trá Cnoc agus Cárna Caiseal, agus An Ghaeltacht v An Cregán Maighlocha ina dhiaidh.

On the rugby front, Corca Dhuibhne, Corinthians and Cill Dara will play 15 minute a side games in Carraig, starting at 10.30am.

Micheál O’Muircheartaigh will be the guest of honour at inter-county matches being held on Saturday in Páirc an Ághasaigh where the Galway Masters will play the Kildare Masters at 1.30pm, followed by the Kerry Legends of 1997–2003 taking on their Galway counterparts.

Apart from sporting events, Gerry Duffy – one of Ireland’s leading ultra-athletes – will give a talk at 2pm in Benner’s Hotel.

And, aside from all that, there’s a 5k walk around the town starting from the Skelligs at 11.30am on Saturday.

All proceeds from the weekend’s events will go directly to Cairde-Friends Matter. RCN: 20144388. Full information on events can be found on www.cairde.org or on the CairdeFriends Matter Facebook page or from Cathy (086 8131452) or Tadhg (086 8376378).