The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)

Fashionist­as out in force to support a great centre

- By KATHLEEN O’SULLIVAN

TRALEE knows how to put on a show – as was proven so very stylishly by the attendees of RehabCare at their event in Paco at The Mall on Friday.

Paco owner Eileen Whelan combined the two things she does best – fashion and fundraisin­g – to host her regular coffee morning and fashion show, and this time it was in aid of RehabCare Blennervil­le Resource Centre.

“This is such a wonderful event for all involved. We had members of the shop and attendees of the centre modelling and strutting their stuff on the red carpet. The women were dressed in head to toe Paco fashion, and the men are dressed in fabulous suits from Celsius Menswear,” Eileen explained.

“I’m over the moon with how it went. The support is just incredible.

“With the music by Damien Greer and Pat Pierse outside, we were able to bring the fun out onto the street and involve all those around the town.

“The buzz it created is amazing.” RehabCare Programmes Facilitato­r Jane O’Donoghue feels that events like these are not just about raising vital funds; they are also important for increasing community engagement with the service and those that it facilitate­s.

“We’re trying to promote more community integratio­n, giving our attendees that sense of independen­ce, giving them more chance to meet and greet people,” she said.

“Today is about us being out in the community and meeting everybody, a lovely light-hearted day for all.

“The confidence it gives them to be involved in something like this constantly makes it worth it.

“Walking out in front of everyone looking so great and everyone compliment­ing them is just amazing, and they really deserve it.” Teas, coffees and baked goods were on offer to enjoy at the event – which ran from 11am until 1pm – along with a raffle.

 ??  ?? ABOVE LEFT: Margaret Corcoran, Tommy Cantillon, Catherine Casey, Richard Smyth and Marie Keating modelling some of the fashions on view at Paco on Friday.
ABOVE LEFT: Margaret Corcoran, Tommy Cantillon, Catherine Casey, Richard Smyth and Marie Keating modelling some of the fashions on view at Paco on Friday.
 ??  ?? Manager of Paco fashion store Eileen Whelan (sixth from left in centre row) with musicians Pat and Damian and all the models of Friday’s fashion show in aid of the Blennervil­le Rehab Resource Centre.
Manager of Paco fashion store Eileen Whelan (sixth from left in centre row) with musicians Pat and Damian and all the models of Friday’s fashion show in aid of the Blennervil­le Rehab Resource Centre.
 ??  ?? LEFT: Dolores O’Connor, Nicola Walsh, Carol Dooley, Mary Lynch, Sheila Sayers and Eileen Whelan.
LEFT: Dolores O’Connor, Nicola Walsh, Carol Dooley, Mary Lynch, Sheila Sayers and Eileen Whelan.
 ??  ?? ABOVE: Andrea and Ashley Greer, Dolores O’Connor and MIchaela Lacey modelling some great garments.
ABOVE: Andrea and Ashley Greer, Dolores O’Connor and MIchaela Lacey modelling some great garments.

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