While it is true that there have been many forms of drag, both private and public, since earliest times, as a form of modern entertainment drag in recent years has developed into a phenomenon which is now a world-wide multi-million pound entertainment industry in itself.
And it is about to show itself in all its ‘beauty’ in the forthcoming Dublin Women’s marathon.
A number of Kilkenny men folk are about to shed their Levis 501’s and plaid fleece shirts for a more feminine look. While you study some of the ‘female’ photos on this page you may have to make certain allowances. In all fairness, it it a fair assumption that none of our ‘lassies’ will be featuring in Vogue or Hello Magazine anytime in the near future.
However, when you learn that these Kilkenny bucks are dressing up to run in the Women’s Mini-Marathon and that monies raised will go to ‘Kilkenny Helping the Homeless’ those allowances can be made with less critical judgement.
Speaking to ‘The Kilkenny Observer’, Mary Pierce said she was delighted with the response after she put out the call looking for volunteers.
Fun and laughter
Last week Pat Carrolls pub on Ballybought Street was the venue where the project was launched and we need not add that fun and laughter was there in abundance.
Brendan and Mary Pierce are the dynamic duo in charge of ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ but stress that they would be lost without the support of the many volunteers and of course the continuing donations from so many .
Mary took time out from her busy schedule to speak with The Kilkenny Observer when she explained that the main work is done in Kilkenny seven nights a week. “We are out every night and we are either dropping sleeping bags to the homeless or bringing food to those less fortunate” explained Mary. And it doesn’t end there. As Mary explained, the charity also deliver food bags and furniture. I just couldn’t believe the amount of hardship that is out there”, continued Mary.
It is obvious that Mary, Brendan and their team have developed a passion for what they do and according to Mary “it’s like having lit a fire that can’t be put out”.
Fundraising is constant and there really is no light at the end of that tunnel according to Mary and Brendan.
Many supporters
We have many friends who help with fundraising and without that we would be lost.
At the moment they are fundraising for a van. Their present van is on its last legs so everything raised is going towards a new van which is essential to their work. The couple started out on their quest to help the homeless 10 years ago and is fair to say that their biggest challenge is the amount of families they feed in Dublin .
Those families just can’t make ends meet according to Mary.
“In Dublin we have people coming for dinners and lunches and we always try to have groceries for them. And although people may find it difficult to believe, the same scenario applies in Kilkenny”, said Mary.
Mary and Brendan recently decided to participate in the Dublin Women’s mini-marathon and the hope is that funds raised will go towards the purchase of a new van.
The get together at Pat Carroll’s showed the enthusiasm and vigour that this bunch of merry men and women have. One can only wish them all the best at the marathon and of course continued good luck with their charity work.
They walk among us!
If you would like to donate please visit our facebook page Kilkenny Helping the homeless .
