This article is from page 35 of the 2007-06-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
INAGH native, Sr Mary Neylon, re- turned to her native town this week in preparation for a major fundraiser which could drastically improve the lives of countless women living in poverty in Peru.
A mid-summer ball will take place in the West County Hotel on June 15, with all the proceeds going to the work of Sr Mary and the Cahercalla Hospice. Sr Mary is a Columbine nun and has been based in Lima for the last 20 years.
“She went to Lima in Peru, she
is there since 1989 or ‘90 and she comes homes every three years. She works with the poor, women’s groups mostly. She is trying to improve their situation, teaching skills and crafts so that they can make a bit of money and have a bit of independence for themselves,” said her sister, Brid Ca- eas
“There are a lot of poor people out there, especially in the remote parts. There are extremes. There is a lot of wealth, but there is an awful lot of poverty as well.”
The ball is being organised by fel- low Inagh native and Mayor of Clare,
Flan Garvey.
“When I became mayor, I said dur- ing my inauguration speech I would be listening very closely to what peo- ple needed and to help them out as best I could,’ said Flan.
“T am a director of the board at Ca- hercalla and Cahercalla Hospice is very dear to my heart. They give tre- mendous comfort to the terminally UU MeVele maetssbmBKo EIB Lore
“T said that I would organise this ball to help that cause. Then I was in contact with an old neighbour of mine, Sr Mary Neylon, who is in Peru. I asked her what help she
needed and she gave me a request of roughly €3,000 for an initiative with the women in Lima.
“The project involves setting up schemes where they can work them- selves and make a few bob of their own, make them feel good and make them feel wanted.”
The night will include a pre-dinner reception, a meal and then an evening of entertainment from Johnny Car- roll of the Famous Golden Trumpet and his band.
Tickets at €100 each are available from Flan Garvey or through the West County at 065 6823000.