Charity begins at home for Donal

KNOCKNAGOSHEL native and former Castleisland publican, Donal Murphy was successful in his bid in the recent Christmas Auction for Charity, conducted by Radio Kerry.

Mr. Murphy secured, for a three figure sum, a holiday at the famous Parknasilla Hotel complete with breakfast and dinner for two people - which he considered one of the most attractive prizes on offer.

The upside of his contribution is that five families in the Tralee area received a Christmas Hamper each to the value of €80.

“Radio Kerry is to be congratulated for its annual Christmas fund-raising for the local community and to date the station has raised over €10,000 this season. The total amount will be distributed locally by the Saint Vincent De Paul Society,” said Mr. Murphy.

Recently Donal made headlines in the local papers and media when he suggested that politicians past and present in receipt of massive salaries and pensions make a once-off, special donation according to their means to the local Saint Vincent De Paul Society.

Rather than returning any funds to central government, Mr. Murphy thought aloud that this would be a more practical and positive way of helping those in financial straits in the Kerry area.

“The so-called middle class have now joined the working class and the unemployed due to the recession and the many cut backs. The middle class is in negative equity on their homes, the working class have no work, and the unemployed would love to find a meaningful job . They all face a hopeless period of austerity and the 2012 budget did not address the relevant issues but added to the problems by further cut backs from those that can least afford them,” said the Labour Party activist.

Taking the quite literal meaning of the old proverb 'Charity begins at Home' Mr. Murphy can properly claim that he has put his money where his mouth is.

Batting for local charities and their financial welfare, Mr. Murphy also advised that any donations to a registered charitable organisation are tax deductible.

“This fact would help the donors and the receiver. Our politicians , past and present on massive salaries and pensions should take time out and consider my suggestions. No doubt as a result their generosity would benefit the little homes of Kerry and also the large mansions built during the Celtic Tiger with Bank approval and now being repossessed.

“In the present era of unprecedented recession and government cut-backs, the people of Ireland need to stand united and with the aim of creating the 'Just Society' - a concept which is the target of so much lip service by so many of our politicians,” Mr. Murphy feels.

■ Donal Murphy.