DANCING, discos and donations will take centre stage across Kerry on #TieDayFriday, 9th October, when people of all ages are encouraged to wear a tie, share a picture on social media and donate to Kerry Mental Health Association.
There are several ways to support the annual campaign:
- Dancing – Multiple World Champion Irish dancer David Geaney will sidestep from Dingle to Tralee for another Irish Dancing Marathon with another hundred dancers and musicians from 2pm to 9pm outside Kirby’s Brogue Inn.
- Discos – MyFitness Kerry trainer George Bastible will host a Daybreak Fitness Disco at John Mitchels GAA Complex Sports Hall from 6am to 7am, featurin4g a live DJ and an energetic early-morning workout.
- Donations – Schoolchildren from Tarbert to Tuosist, workers from Ballybunion to Ballyferriter and members of the Kerry diaspora worldwide can donate online, buy a €3 tie pin or organise their own #TieDayFriday activity.
Donations to the Irish Dancing Marathon can be made at KerryMentalHealth.ie/dancing, while a separate fundraising page for the Daybreak Fitness Disco is available at KerryMentalHealth.ie/disco.
The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said:
“While rolling around the bedroom floor in agony with cramp after last year’s #TieDayFriday Irish Dancing Marathon, I swore I’d never dance again.
“The pain passed. For people experiencing mental health challenges, difficult days aren’t so easily left behind.
“Last year’s event brought immense joy to over 100 volunteer dancers and musicians, while local businesses and the public showed tremendous generosity.
“Against the better judgement of my leg muscles, we’re doing it all again—and I might even warm up at George Bastible’s Daybreak Fitness Disco.”
Irish dancers of every age and ability are welcome to take part in the marathon outside Kirby’s Brogue Inn. Donations can be made online until 27th October, while #TieDayFriday tie pins will be available for €3 at Garvey’s SuperValu on 9th October.
Anyone wishing to take part in the Fitness Disco can register at the MyFitness Kerry gym, opposite McDonald’s in Tralee, or contact George Bastible on 087 447 6391 by WhatsApp. People can also support the fundraiser without attending by donating online.
Every euro raised will help fund therapeutic activities at mental health day centres, transport for people accessing mental health services and mental health awareness projects in communities throughout Kerry.
Kerry Mental Health Association is particularly grateful to Red Chair Recruitment for sponsoring the #TieDayFriday tie pins and to SMBC / JRI America at Kerry Technology Park for providing collection volunteers on #TieDayFriday.
The campaign also relies on the support of volunteer dancers, musicians and fitness enthusiasts, along with the cooperation of schools, businesses and communities throughout Kerry.
To volunteer or organise a fundraiser, email Volunteers@KerryMentalHealth.ie or phone 083 2032742.