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You are > Home > Children’s laughter is big reward
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Friday, July 09, 2010
Children’s laughter is big reward
MY year as Mayor of Killarney has just concluded and I wish to place on record my gratitude to the electorate and to my council colleagues for affording me the great opportunity of being first citizen of a very special place.
There were many highlights. They are far too numerous to mention, but that memorable week in September when I had the privilege of welcoming Sam Maguire and Uachtarán na h-Éireann will forever evoke happy memories.
Following much thought and with some trepidation, I decided to host the Mayor’s Bash – maybe celebration would be more appropriate term – and to donate the profits to the Kerry Life Education project as its wonderful work offers real hope of a safer and happier future to the county’s children.
Sheila Casey (cathaoirleach), Chris Barrow, Séamus Whitty and Mary O’Donoghue of the project took principal responsibility for organising the event. They worked with enormous energy and commitment to ensure its success. Their efforts bore abundant fruit.
The Kingdom’s wholehearted support through free advertising and editorial comment was of inestimable value and we are deeply grateful. I am especially pleased as the editor and I have ties since our days in The Mon.
Éamonn Fitzgerald and Seán Kavanagh did a superb job in contacting the players from the East Kerry team that won the inaugural AllIreland Club Football Championship in 1971. It was a wonderful reunion that emphasised one of the oft times forgotten but life long benefits of involvement in sport. Limbs age and eyesight fades but friendships remain and sustain.
Words are scarcely adequate to convey my gratitude to all the businesses and individuals who financially supported the Bash. All I can say is that the word ‘generosity’ has taken on an entirely new and deeper meaning for me. Mo bhuíochas ó chroí libh go léir.
It would be seriously remiss of me if I failed to acknowledge the kindness of those two icons of Kerry football, Darragh Ó Sé and Colm Cooper. Each gladly donated a pair of football boots for auction. Your greatness, gentlemen, long since assured, has been enhanced. Thanks to Weeshie Fogarty for being the persuasive auctioneer.
I believe that the 278 people that attended the Bash enjoyed the occasion, which was so excellently hosted and managed by the Killarney Oaks Hotel. I am most grateful for their presence and their joyful participation in the fun and frolics.
The culmination of all the activity occurred recently when it was my very special joy to present a cheque for close on ¤12,000 to the Kerry Life Education project.
I know that every cent will be wisely used.
The laughter of happy and healthy children will be the reward for your great kindness.
Guím rath agus séan oraibh go léir.
Cllr Michael Gleeson
Clasheen
Killarney
Co Kerry
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