The Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone were thrilled to be in a position to present a cheque for a whopping €107,614.53 to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association at a function in the Killarney Plaza Hotel.
It represented the proceeds of many fundraising events organised by both Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone and other groups who supported the charity since the last presentation made to the national association in October 2021.
Accepting the cheque, CEO Kevin Burn said it reflected the huge work being done by the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone and their loyal supporters and he thanked all involved.
The fundraising started again In June 2022 with an annual flag day after a lapse of two years due to Covid-19. Street collections also took place in 2023 and 2024,
Other important fundraisers included:
- Tralee Lions Club made generous cheque presentations
- Spa GAA Club organised a coffee morning
- Tureencahill senior citizens made a cheque presentation
- Killarney Rugby Cub held a competition honouring Millo O’Meara with proceeds going to the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone
- The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle also presented a cheque
- Lough Lein Anglers Association selected the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone to be the beneficiary of an annual fishing competition
- Mike Horan and his brothers along with members of the Vauxhall Vintage Club organised a vintage run in Killarney
- In Caherdaniel members of the O’Donoghue family donated generously funds
- T J Nelligan and Keneth Galvin organised ceilias
- The committee of Killarney Darts Town League donated the proceeds of a competition to Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone.
- A memorial night in Rathmore family members of the late John Chris Crowley presented Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone with a huge cheque for €50,000 bequeathed by John in his will.
Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone Chairman, Christy Lehane, remarked: “It is impossible to name everyone who donated but I feel I owe it to those kind and generous people and organisations who always support KFMN and to let them know that their donations go to providing home visits by the six MND nurses, to providing financial assistance towards home care, provision of specialist medical equipment free of charge and supporting research in causes of MND and the many more demands on the association”.
Currently there are 470 people living with MND in Ireland and sadly 20 of these people live in Kerry which has the highest number of sufferers per capita in the country.
ront Row L – R Fiona Thornton Head of Communications IMNDA, Christy Lehane Chairman of Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, Kevin Burn CEO IMNDA and Pat Kelleher Treasurer of KFMN. Back row L – R Committee members Sheila Casey, Nora Murphy Secretary, Denis Russell, Mary Lehane and Betty Carmody. Absent from photo Paddy O’Keeffe and Tom McDonnell.
