Hospice looks on to Good Friday

IT’S been enormously successful since its inauguration, and the annual Kilcummin Hospice Good Friday Walk from the Recreation Hall in Kilcummin will be back in 2018 to raise funds for the newly opened 15-bed palliative care unit at University Hospital Kerry (UHK).

Paddy O’Sullivan has been involved with the walk since its start back in 2006 – some two years after his wife, Sheila, passed away –and he is excited for this latest edition, which will leave the hall on the day at 10.30am.

Offering two child-friendly routes of four and eight kilometres respectively, Paddy describes the event as a very enjoyable community event, which offers ample opportunity to meet with friends and neighbours for a chat while enjoying the great outdoors.

This year’s event comes with added poignancy following the recent passing of Kerry Hospice Foundation’s talisman Ted Moynihan, who was a major influence on the walk, Paddy explained.

“Refreshments of tea coffee and home baking will be provided in the Recreation Hall after the walk, and it’s a great opportunity to have a chat and mix with the rest of the community,” Paddy said. “It moved to the Kilcummin area around five years ago and it’s been a huge success.

“We would always have been in touch with the late Ted Moynihan, and we’re happy to support the Hospice again this year.”

Last year’s walk raised almost €2,200. There is no registration fee, rather donations are accepted on the day. Entrants are also entered in a draw for spot prizes.

“It’s a nice family event, so please come along and support,” Paddy added.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin. FRONT: Kathleen Lynch, Paddy O’Sullivan, Rena Healy, Joan Burke, Kay Fleming. BACK: Seamus Murphy, Tony Harty and Tom O’Connor.