All star cast at Mayor’s Shindig

DONALD Trump, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, along with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin, Gerry Adams and Michael D Higgins, were all on hand to help Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Niall Kelleher, raise funds for charity last week.

The attendance of so many political figures was all down to the star guest comedian, Oliver Callan, whose impressions had the crowd in tears of laughter at the Mayor’s Shindig in the INEC on Sunday night.

The revival of the Mayor’s ball or in this case ‘shindig’ proved a huge success and helped raise substantial funds for the Mayor’s two chosen charities – The Buy a Bus campaign and Rathmore Social Action Group.

It wasn’t only political figures that Oliver brought to life on the night but also a host of Killarney personalities, including chamber president Paul O’Neill, Conor Hennigan, Johnny Maguire and, of course, Cllr Kelleher himself.

“He was well briefed, I got a roasting myself,” Cllr Kelleher said with a smile.

The great Irish rugby win was also celebrated on the night with one lucky local man, Diarmuid Cronin from Killarney District and Motor Club availing of the opportunity to own a rugby ball signed by the Grand Slam winners which he purchased at the auction for €1,050.

A new gold Kerry Jersey, signed by the team, was also auctioned on the night and was purchased by Johnny Maguire, while a Dáil Tour which went to Philip O’Connor.

The auction provided plenty of entertainment as well with Cllr Dan McCarthy pulling out all the stops in his role as auctioneer and Oliver Callan rousing the floor with his comments.

“The auction went down a treat. I never saw the likes of it,” said Cllr Kelleher who added that he was thrilled with the support for the Mayor’s Shindig.

“It was a great night and I am delighted to be able to help two deserving local charities.”

LEFT: Siobhan Favier, Marguertie McCarthy, Danielle Favier and Sinead Favier. Geraldine Rosney, Caroline Hennigan, Emer Corridon and Agnes Rooney at the Mayor’s Charity Shindig at the INEC, on Sunday night. This year’s fundraising will go to Kerry...

Lorna Cronin, Breda Cronin and Triona Moore. Mayor of Killarney Cllr Niall Kelleher, with his Fiance Linda Gordon and his staff, Andrew McKensieVass, Sean Coffey, Eoin McSweeney, Fiona Costigan, AmyHorgan.

All photos by Valerie O’Sullivan Carol Dempsey, Susan Hayes, Emer Buckley, McKenzie Keane and Aoife Griffin at Cllr Niall Kelleher’s Mayor’s Charity Shindig at the INEC, on Sunday night. This years fundraising will go to Kerry parents and Friends’ ‘Buy A Bus’ Campaign and Social...

Annmarie Scally,left, Clare Scally, Gemma Ring and Paul O’Neill, President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

Cllr Niall Kelleher with fiance Linda Gordon and comedian Oliver Callan.

Noel McGlynn and Geraldine McGlynn, at Cllr Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Killarney, Mayor’s Charity Shindig at the INEC

BELOW: Comedian OliverCallan with Carmel McCarthy and Mary McCarthy.

By Valerie O’Sullivan The Venerable Simon Lumby with wife Nolleen Lumby at the Mayor’s Shindig in the INEC. All photos

Sheila Dixon, (left) andSheilaCasey