A dedicated charity champion from Killarney has been included in this year’s Kerry Heroes Awards promoted by Radio Kerry and sponsored by financial services company Fexco.
Cathal Walshe has been honoured for his unwavering commitment to so many community causes, including 40 years of service as PRO of the Ring of Kerry charity cycle.
The retired community garda, who lives in Woodlawn, Cathal has played a vital role in developing the event that has generated €18 million for Kerry charities over the last four decades.
And that represents just a small fraction of the work Cathal does in the community, helping so many causes and devoting his time to helping others.
Eight worthy recipients of the annual Fexco Kerry Heroes Awards were recognised on a special Kerry Today programme presented by Jerry O’Sullivan this Thursday.
Each of the recipients received a specially created 2022 award, crafted and sponsored by Louis Mulcahy Pottery and over 120 nominations were received from all over the county for both groups and individuals.
In addition to Cathal Walshe, the other recipients were:
Kenmare Shamrocks man Seanie O’Shea was responsible for that golden moment in the sunshine when he helped Kerry to topple the Dubs with the free facing into Hill 16. He certainly gave the county something to cheer about.
Sharon Donovan from Annascaul is a friend who stepped up in a time of need and loss, proving to be extraordinary help at the most difficult time for her friend’s family.
Alannah Foley is a five-year-old from Killorglin who has faced more health challenges than many adults do in their whole lives and all with good humour and grace. Her fight for sight
has inspired the county.
The chemotherapy unit staff at University Hospital Kerr were honoured for their incredible work and support they give to Kerry people and their families who going through the toughest and most daunting of times
Noreen Everett has fostered over 100 children over the last 30 years, working in a system that changes lives and plays a vital role in the lives of children who need it but doesn’t always get the recognition or support it deserves.
Seanchaí/storyteller Batt Burns is the man behind the Sneem Storytelling Festival who has attracted droves of tourists from the US and elsewhere to hear the rich heritage of Kerry stories
Tralee soup Kitchen staff is a volunteer team that operates out of Teach an tSolais parish centre for St John’s Church of Ireland on Ashe Street, Tralee. Every Saturday they look after anything up to 100 people.
Season’s greetings: We wish all our readers, advertisers and friends a very happy Christmas and a wonderful 2023
