€300K RAISED: TAKEA BOW WALK ORGANISERS

THIS YEAR’S MS WALK IN KILLARNEY RAISED OVER €20,000 AND IN 15 YEARS MORE THAN €300,000 HAS BEEN RAISED

‘IF it wasn’t for volunteers people would be in a bad way’ is the strong message from John O’Shea who organises the annual and ultra-successful ‘Old Kenmare Walk’ in aid of the MS South Kerry Branch. The group met recently for a special presentation as the proceeds from last year’s walk, which raised over €20,000, was handed over to the local branch.

Over 240 people turned out for last October’s walk which attracts people from all over the county who get to enjoy a trek through scenic Kenmare to Torc in Killarney raising vital funds for MS. Moreover, this year marked the 15h year of the walk which has now raised over €300,000, much to the delight of everyone involved.

“The momentum has been kept up which is great and each year we manage to hit the €20,000 mark which is also great,” said John.

He added that due to a lack of central funding, organisations like MS South Kerry Branch must rely on fundraising events which are vital.

He thanked all the people who took part in the walk, which is now a great family day out. John also praised the people behind MS South Kerry Branch who do Trojan work with limited means.

“People like the Chairman Pat O’Neill and Rosemary Nolan are incredible. The work the people in the MS committee do is phenomenal and they have such a great bond with MS sufferers and their families. There are so many different fundraising events taking place nowadays that it’s incredible that we’ve kept it going like we have,” he added.

Sponsors like O’Callaghan’s Coaches and The Gleneagle Hotel are also integral to the walk as they provide refreshments and travel for the walkers.

“The importance of their role can’t be overstated enough as they make a valuable contribution each year,” John concluded.

(centre) Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin John O’Shea MS Walk Organiser presenting the cheque for €20,450.85 to Pat O’Neill Chairman South Kerry MS with (front) Kay Fleming, Rosemary Nolan, Jo Lawlor (back from left) Patrick O’Donoghue Man.Director Gleneagle Hotels sponsors, Norrie O’Neill,...