The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
No ‘Cool Siúl’, but over €3,000 raised for UHK in Katherine’s memory
IT WAS a shame that the third annual Cool Siúl in memory of Katherine Fitzpatrick couldn’t take place in Ballinskelligs on Sunday – as originally planned – given that would have been Katherine’s birthday.
The concept – a way to keep her memory alive for her family and friends – should have been in its third year in 2020, but like most other events fell foul of COVID-19 restrictions.
But all was not lost, her daughter Ann explained. And very far from it, as it happens.
“This year we decided to set up a GoFundMe page – with Chris McGillicuddy from the Brand Geeks again helping us out with promotion as his donation – to raise funds and help the front-line workers in University Hospital Kerry,” she told The Kerryman. “Normally we funds would go to Scoil Mhichíl and Ballinskelligs
Community Care, but Síle [of Scoil Mhichíl] and Dessie [Community Care] had no problem with the change of plan for this year.
“UHK has helped our family, and we would also have friends working there. We didn’t want to leave the opportunity pass us by. So far we’ve raised over €3,000, and the page will stay open for another week or two.”
Katherine was deeply involved in her community before passing away suddenly in 2017. The Cool Siúl – the name incorporates her love of both emojis and Irish – has proven a fitting tribute to the mother-of-eight, and hopefully it will be back on the road next year.
“We’d like to thank Chris from Brand Geeks, of course, as well as those who have donated. Also, the Ballinskelligs community at home and abroad, who are always so supportive,” Ann said.
The GoFundMe page is available under the title of ‘Cool Siúl’.