POPULAR Tralee band Midnite Café dusted off their instruments to perform their first gigs in 16 months in front of excited residents in four housing estates in town on Saturday 17th July.
Kerry Mental Health Association’s Tralee Branch benefitted from a collection at each location where the generosity was overwhelming on a glorious afternoon.
Miah Lynch Transport sponsored the mobile stage which visited Derrylea in Oakpark, Caheranne Village on Strand Road, Mounthawk Manor and Connolly Park, in that order.
The final performance was outside the home of Richie Greer, father of the band’s drummer, Damian. Richie celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday.
There were birthday celebrations in Mounthawk Manor as well where John Murphy, originally from St Brendan’s Park, marked his 60th with family.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said: “An event like this is just what the doctor ordered. It was a tonic for the mind on a beautiful sunny afternoon. It was all about community spirit and it showed how much we need our friends and neighbours. Credit to the residents’ associations who made it possible, to the band who showed no signs of rustiness after lockdown, and the team of experienced volunteer stewards, led by Martin Brosnan and Ann O’Shea, who made sure the show ran smoothly and safely.”
Limited to a maximum of 200 attendees per venue under Covid guidelines, the volunteers with Kerry Mental Health Association’s Tralee Branch were bowled-over by the number of donations they received at each venue.
Tralee Garda Station granted the collection permit and assisted on the day. Kingdom Fast Hire kindly sponsored the generator which powered the sound from the stage.
The objective of Kerry Mental Health Association is to promote the general welfare of people and to support those with mental health challenges and their families and carers through the provision of information, by advocating on their behalf; to provide education and training programmes that promote good mental health and wellbeing; and supports those with mental health challenges.
They have Branches in Tralee, Killarney, Kenmare, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Iveragh, Corca Dhuibhne and Rathmore/East Kerry.
Expressions of interest from prospective volunteers are most welcome. For more information, email volunteers@kerrymentalhealth.ie / info@kerrymentalhealth.ie or visit www.KerryMentalHealth.ie.
