Worthy causes benefit from Christmas lighting display

CHRISTMAS 2017 saw a huge number of visitors flocking to view and support the Christmas lighting display at the home of Michael and Chrissie O’Mahony of Kilbarry West in Dunmanway. 

The display delighted everyone who came to view it and was a real treat for adults and children alike. The inclement weather this year made for a greater challenge than usual, but it did not deter people from travelling out and supporting Michael and Chrissie’s chosen charities. 

The funds raised this year were divided between CoAction, Dunmanway, and the West Cork Ambulance Emergency Services and Air Ambulance. On Friday last, a presentation dance was held in the Parkway Hotel in Dunmanway, where a great night of music and dancing was enjoyed by a huge number of supporters. Music was supplied by Finbarr Dennehy. 

Michael and Chrissie were very proud to be in a position, due to the huge generosity, help and support of their family, friends and neighbours, to present a cheque to CoAction for €1,600, and a cheque for €500, along with some much-needed training equipment valued at €1,300 to the ambulance services. 

Pat Holland, chairman of CoAction, Dunmanway, said: ‘It is great to see communities in West Cork coming out and supporting each other and this is a fine example of such an effort.’ 

Brendan Leahy, who spoke on behalf of the ambulance services, said he was delighted to receive the training equipment, which he and his colleagues have been lobbying to get for many years and he assured everyone it would be put to great use to help train the local paramedics to be of greater assistance to the people of West Cork. 

He said that it is hoped to have the ambulance helicopter in West Cork by the middle of this year and that all funding received is badly needed and much appreciated.  

Declan Hurley, Mayor of Cork County, added his congratulations to all concerned and said he was very proud to see such a great community spirit alive and well in West Cork. 

Michael and Chrissie are grateful to everyone who supported both the lights display and the presentation dance.