Report: Grace Foley
They all admired the art on show, many brought artwork home with them, they sipped wine, they sampled cheese, they enjoyed music and song and they had a great night on the town.
Pictures: Marie Carroll O’Sullivan
That, in a sentence, sums up Killarney Rotary Club’s 20th annual wine and at night – always a big event on the local social calendar – at the Great Southern Killarney on Wednesday night.
Several charities and community organisations will benefit from the generosity of the public who turned out in force to see quality artists showcasing their work which was on sale on the night 30 per cent of any sale goes to the fundraiser and the remaining 70 per cent to the artist.
This year’s beneficiaries are Anabla, Coolick, Faha, Knockanes, Tiernaboul and Loreto national schools, Gaelscoil Faithleann, the Killarney Cardiac Response, Castleisland Day Care Centre, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Killarney Cougars Basketball Club and the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.
An auction was held for various paintings from exhibiting artists on the night who have donated their pieces and there was big demand, in particular, for an original painting from the gifted Mark Eldred as well as a signed Kerry jersey.
Killarney Rotary Club’s wine and art night is, in itself, a masterpiece, as many local charities and communities will benefit.
Rotary District Governor, Kenneth Fisher and his wife, Betty, were in attendance on the evening, making the long journey from Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh to be there.
Mr Fisher, who is responsible for over 70 Rotary Clubs on the island of Ireland, with one in almost every county and around 1,500 members in total, accepted an invitation extended by the Killarney Rotary Club, President Barry Murphy.
“I heard about this event as it is one of Rotary Club’s biggest events. The evening has been amazing, a great gathering for the local area, showing them working together and it’s incredibly vibrant,” he said.
President of Killarney Rotary Club, Mr Barry Murphy said the event was a great opportunity for professional and amateur artists and crafters to display their work to a most appreciative audience in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
One craftsman, who was there for the first time was Seán Ó Ceannabháin from Killarney Pens, manufacture using native Killarney woods.
“From start to finish the evening was spectacular. It was great for both local and non-local businesses and I will definitely be back next year,” he said.
Killarney artist, Therese O’Keeffe was also in attendance. Her work, which is typically abstract and impressionist, has been on display at the event every year since it began.
“This has been a great opportunity for me every year to meet local Killarney people and beyond while displaying my art,” she said.
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