wicklowsummerfamilywalk.com

Frank Kelly

Written by Administrator | 03 July 2011

FRANK KELLY 1919-2011

On Sunday 26^th June 2011 I learned with deep sadness the death of Frank Kelly from Newtownmountkennedy. Frank has been associated with the Wicklow Summer Family Walk for nearly nine years. This year Frank was honoured for his commitment and dedication when he cut the ribbon to start the 10^th Wicklow Summer Family Walk. Eileen Whelan from RTE News presented Frank with a special 10 year medal on the 15^th May 2011.

Frank contacted me in 2002, he was then 83 and he wondered if he would be able to walk the six miles from the Leitrim Lounge to Killoughter Railway Station and back. As I was trying to confirm the correct answer to Frank, he informed me that he played golf every day. I had no decision to make and I told Frank that he would have no problem as the route was flat with no hills. Frank has walked every year up to 2009, what an achievement. More important Frank has raised more than €10,000 for the Irish Cancer Society obtaining sponsorship from more than 1,500 people.

I have had the pleasure of walking with Frank on a few occasions; Frank was a gentleman, totally committed. I remember on the walk in May 2008, the weather was terrible, a winters day, torrential rain, Frank refused to take a lift with the first aid vehicle because he had obtained sponsorship from his customers and he promised them that he would complete the walk because they had complete confidence in him.

On behalf of the Wicklow Summer Family Walk Team, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family, relations and wide circle of friends.

Frank cuts the ribbon to the Wicklow Summer Family Walk 2011

WICKLOW SUMMER FAMILY WALK 2011, FINAL COUNTDOWN

The 10^th WICKLOW SUMMER FAMILY WALK will take place on Sunday 15^th May, this year’s walk will be dedicated to the late Stella Kavanagh, a major fundraiser for this event. All proceeds to the Irish Cancer Society. This year’s message for help is; “LET US CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS TO-MORROW”

Pascal Burke of Burke Oil will be the main sponsor of this year’s event. Tesco, Mary & Claire Kavanagh, Jimmy Franey, Madge & Jimmy Cleary and Brennan Hotels will also provide sponsorship. 10 lucky walkers will take home 10 HP DESKJET all in one Printer/Scanner (wireless) ideal for copying and printing your favourite photos. Also your sponsors will have the opportunity to take home 10 HP DESKJET at the Sponsors Draw which will take place on the 15^th June. Additional prizes will be 5 X €40.00 Tesco Vouchers, Lunch Voucher for 2 in the Arklow Bay Hotel. To celebrate 10 years of walking and supporting the Irish Cancer Society, Mary & Claire Kavanagh daughters of the late Stella will show their appreciation to all the walkers and recognising the valuable work that Stella has done for the Wicklow Summer Family Walk and the Irish Cancer Society by presenting their prizes to some lucky winners. Jimmy Franey has provided a unique prize that may be of interest to all Liverpool Club fans. 4 Vintage Pilsner Beer Glasses engraved Liverpool Football Club, designed by Marquis and manufactured by Waterford. These glasses may be a collector’s item and could be auctioned or raffled.

The walk will be started at the Leitrim Lounge at 3 o’clock by Eileen Whelan RTE News Presenter. St, Patrick’s Pipe Band will provide the entertainment and lead the walkers from the start. The 10K walk will head north to Killoughter Railway Station where refreshments will be served, then return back to the Leitrim Lounge where you can enjoy tea, coffee and sandwiches in the Leitrim Lounge courtesy of Clifford Dowling and his staff. To mark ten years of the Wicklow Summer Family Walk, we will be presenting a medal and ribbon to each participant. Sean Kenna from Kilcoole will be on hand with the amplification and will be taking some good photos of the event. Many of Sean’s photos over the last six years can be seen on our website www.wicklowsummerfamilywalk.com

This year's Wicklow Summer Family Walk will be dedicated to the memory of Stella Kavanagh. Stella passed away suddenly on March 19th. Stella has been a massive contributer & fundraiser to the walk over the past 10 years, collecting many thousands of euros. Stella will be missed by us all. May She Rest In Peace.