TIES on, toes pointed: The fifth annual #TieDayFriday will land on World Mental Health Day, Friday 10 October, with a show-stopping 9-hour Irish dancing marathon relay in the heart of Tralee.
Five-times World Champion, David Geaney, is leading the call for Irish dancers of all ages to wear a tie, make a donation, join the line and keep the rhythm going outside Kirby’s Brogue Inn from midday to 9pm.
The overall choreography of #TieDayFriday remains the same – to unite workplaces, classrooms and communities to raise funds and awareness for life-enhancing mental health supports in Kerry.
To donate visit http://KerryMentalHealth.ie/donate.
David Geaney, a Dingle man described by Sharon Shannon as the ‘present-day Fred Astaire’ said, “As an Irish dancer, I know first-hand how powerful movement and music can be for lifting your spirits. Taking part in any active hobby is a huge boost for mental health, and that’s what this marathon relay is all about – keeping the rhythm going together. #TieDayFriday is also about connection: giving a little of your time, wearing a tie or tie-pin, sharing a photo and making a donation.
“Those small acts not only raise vital funds but also create a sense of community that’s just as important for wellbeing. I’m proud to launch this fundraiser and can’t wait to see Kerry step up for mental health on World Mental Health Day.”
Dancers from Celtic Steps The Show, Céim Arts, Hegarty Irish Dance Academy, Kingdom Academy of Irish Dance, Fite Fuaite Dance and many more will also bring the pavement to life outside Kirby’s Brogue Inn.
#TieDayFriday tie-pins, kindly sponsored by Red Chair Recruitment, will be available to purchase from volunteers for only €3 from outside Garvey’s Supervalu Tralee and Listowel, Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin and on High Street Killarney on Friday 10th October.
Online donations can be made at https://KerryMentalHealth.ie/donate or in person on #TieDayFriday 10th October in Killarney, Killorglin and Listowel where #TieDayFriday tie-pins will be sold for only €3 each.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association and a former Irish dancer, John Drummey, said, “I’m hugely grateful to my many friends and former colleagues in the dancing and traditional music world, our own volunteers, Fred McDonogh at Red Chair Recruitment and the staff at JRI America in Kerry Technology Park who have committed their time and energy to support Kerry Mental Health Association.
“This event is about community spirit as much as it is about dancing, and we’d love the public to come out, cheer us on, or even take part. Every step and every smile on World Mental Health Day will help strengthen the supports we can provide for people across Kerry.”
Funds raised on #TieDayFriday 10th October will go towards Kerry Mental Health Association’s ongoing activities and projects that support people in Kerry with mental health challenges, their families and friends.
To donate to Kerry Mental Health Association online visit
https://KerryMentalHealth.ie/donate.
For more information, please contact John Drummey on 087 7909487 or email info@JohnDrummey.ie.