The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Sun ‘set’ dancing on Strickeen... just bring a whistle and a bodhrán!
KILLARNEY Walking Festival has announced this year’s charity walk: ‘A Sun Set on Strickeen’ will take place on Friday, June 9, and will be in aid of the ‘Bus Fund’ for Kerry Parents and Friends. Kerry Parents and Friends play an enormous role in the lives of people living with intellectual difficulties and the funds raised through the walk are much appreciated and put to good use.
The ‘Bus Fund’ is the initiative of Agnes Rooney whose sister Mairead has Down Syndrome and is cared for full-time by Agnes.
Agnes herself admits she would be lost without the association’s assistance, which has led to her ongoing attempt to raise €60,000 to purchase a wheelchair accessible bus for the charity. To date, the present fleet of 17 buses is in decline with no funding for their replacement.
“These buses take Mairead and her friends to work, home, hospital appointments, social training, respite and holidays. They travel all over Kerry and truly support them and their families in ways that the greater community may not understand,” Agnes explained.
The charity walk departs Kate Kearney’s Cottage (at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe) at 7.30pm on Friday June 9 when walkers will be asked to dance an entire Kerry Polka on the summit…just bring a tin whistle and a bodhrán! The ‘Bus Fund’ campaign is also one of the beneficiaries of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle and Agnes is actively seeking cyclists to register on the Ring of Kerry Cycle’s website.