Set dancing takes its toll as volunteers step out on The Gap of Dunloe

THE weather didn’t play its part for ‘Sun ‘SET’ on Strickeen’ which had to be cancelled at the last minute. But while a sunset was the last thing walkers were likely to see last Friday evening, it didn’t prevent the band of brave and hardy souls from having a hooley in the hills, for no sooner was the walk to the summit cancelled when it was decided to head straight to the bridge at the Gap of Dunloe for a reel and jig. The night’s ceol agus craic was for a very worthy cause – the ‘Buy a Bus’ campaign.

Kerry Parents and Friends, along with families, do so much for people living with intellectual difficulties and Friday’s occasion is a great way of producing a positive outcome from a fun ritual.

The event was held in conjunction with Killarney Walking Festival and over €860 was raised in just one hour which brought huge delight to the driving force behind the event, Agnes Rooney.

Agnes is also appealing for people to choose the ‘Buy a Bus’ charity campaign for Kerry Parents and Friends in the upcoming Ring of Kerry Cycle.

O’Sullivan’s Outdoor Store in Killarney also donated some Colombia footwear on the night which was won by Mary O Leary and Pat Moriarty, while Kate Kearney’s Cottage was of course a focal point, providing some well-earned hot food for the wet though very contented walkers.

“We were defeated by the wind and the rain but we soon regathered and headed to the bridge for a set dance. Agnes is behind the ‘Buy a Bus’ event and there’s great credit due to her,” said Valerie O’Sullivan.

Instead of a Sun ‘Set’ on Strickeen, the hardy dancers settled on a storm set at the first bridge at the Gap of Dunloe.

Photos by Valerie O’Sullivan Stopping traffic…Avril and James Rooney, stopping tourists, encouraging them to pay a toll at the bridge for the Charity ‘Buy a Bus’ Campaign, led by Anges Rooney, in conjunction with Killarney Walking Festival on Friday.

Round the house and mind the bridge.. Eimear Corridan and Mary O’Leary taking to the bridge

Never mind the weather… Marie Coffey and Margaret ‘Sonny’ O’Sullivan, set dancing on the bridge