Community spirit is alive and kicking as Mayor of Kilkenny hails Relay for Life groups

Praise and congratulations was paid to Relay for Life volunteers at a special reception on Thursday.
Mayor of Kilkenny Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, who is also a team member of Skeoughvosteen Alert, paid tribute to the group when hosting the reception in The Tholsel.
The group were hailed for their volunteerism and community spirit in organising this year’s Relay For Life, which will be held at Kilkenny Rugby Club this weekend.
This is the sixth year that Kilkenny teams, relayers and people affected by cancer will take to the track for the event, which is in aid of The Irish Cancer Society.
Relay For Life is about celebrating life and survivorship. Loved ones who have passed away will be remembered in the moving Candle of Hope ceremony at 10pm on Saturday.
Cancer Research
Monies raised from the event will be spent on cancer research. In 2017 the Irish Cancer Society invested over €3m in cancer research on initiatives and projects throughout Ireland supporting 150 cancer researchers.
“We have had great interest in Relay for Life Kilkenny,” said event chairperson Josephine Kelly. “More than 65 Cancer Survivors have registered, as well as 25 teams, while 11 girls and women are donating their ponytails to The Little Princess Trust.
“The emphasis this year is on family fun and wellbeing,” she added. “We have a free kids activity programme over the weekend and a wellbeing tent with many therapists offering alternative therapy taster sessions.
“Our Relay Ambassador John Edward Nolan from Dancing With The Stars has prepared a group of eager Survivors to perform a dance at Relay for Life on Saturday.
“This year our MC George Candler has organised that some livestock be auctioned in aid of Relay for Life and the Irish Cancer Society in the week before the Relay,” she added.
“All the 25 teams involved have organised many fundraising activities.”
Relay for Life starts at 3pm on Saturday at Kilkenny Rugby Club. All are welcome.