Local Charities Benefit from Paudie’s Memorial Run

At the Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Run cheque presentation ceremony at The Half Barrel Bar in Castleisland on Saturday night were, seated: Mags O’Sullivan, Sheila Crowley, Cllr. Charlie Farrelly, Martina O’Donoghue, Sharon Fitzmaurice and Timmy Myers. Back row: Martina O’Mahony, Mary and Laura Fitzmaurice, Rita McCarthy, Bertha O’Sullivan, Betty Walsh, Helen O’Connor, Danny Kelliher, Ava Fitzmaurice and Joe O’Connor. ©Photograph: John Reidy 28-9-2019

Mary Fitzmaurice (centre left) presenting one of the cheques for €2,050 to Martina O’Donoghue, Castleisland Day Care Centre at The Half Barrel Bar on Saturday night. Included are: Cllr. Charlie Farrelly and Kathleen O’Connor, The Half Barrel Bar. The cheque was half the proceeds from the Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Run. ©Photograph: John Reidy 28-9-2019

Laura Fitzmaurice (second from left) presenting a cheque for €2,050 to Betty Walsh and her colleague Sheila Crowley (left) of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association at The Half Barrel Bar on Saturday night. Included are: Ava and Sharon Fitzmaurice and Cllr. Charlie Farrelly. ©Photograph: John Reidy 28-9-2019

Late on Saturday night at The Half Barrel Bar, at Upper Main Street, Castleisland, a presentation of the proceeds of the 2019 Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Tractor and Vintage Vehicle Charity Run was held.

The eighth run, founded in 2012 after the unexpected death in a road accident of the likable and popular taxi driver, started and finished in the Castleisland Co-Op Mart yard on Sunday September 22nd.

Over 90 Vehicles

“We had 92 vehicles of all kinds taking part on the Sunday of the run and in order to boost the charity fund we conducted a street collection here in Castleisland on the previous day and that proved an outstanding success,” said Charlie Farrelly of the ad-hoc group which stages the run.

“I’ve said it time and again but Castleisland and the people of the general hinterland must be the best and most generous when it comes to putting hands in pockets (their own) and donating to charitable causes,” Cllr. Farrelly told the packed pub during the presentation ceremony.

Thanks from Laura

The late Mr. Fitzmaurice’s daughter, Laura was invited to address the gathering on behalf of the family and she thanked everyone who made the effort to get out on the run on the day and all who donated to the charities involved this year.

Cllr. Farrelly thanked the Fitzmaurice family for the work they put into this year’s event in organising various category spot prizes for the participants.

Thanks All Round

He thanked Castleisland Co-Op Mart for the use of its huge and accommodating yard and Kathleen and Paddy at the Half Barrel for providing post run sustenance for the participants, Cllr. Farrelly then invited representatives of Castleisland Day Care Centre and Kerry Parents and Friends Association / Glebe Lodge to receive cheques for €2,050 each.

“From listening to the feedback of our participants over the last few years we have a few ideas which will improve the run next year.

“We even had a Thelma and Louise impersonating duo Catheriona O’Connor-Daly and Rita McCarthy ‘on the run’ with us this year and fancy dress may be something we’ll look at for next year as well.

“But for now we’re very grateful to all involved for the support they showed in so many ways,” said Cllr. Farrelly.