The communities surrounding Slievenamon are planning a community gathering for Saturday September 19th to acknowledge the strong community spirit reflected in action responding to the fire that began on July 20th. The community group is expressing sincere gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to combat the fire and protect lives, homes, farmland and wildlife. The group also wants to pay tribute to the extraordinary local community. Any surplus after the event on September 19th “will be donated directly to community organisations within the affected areas of Kilcash, Ballypatrick and Kilurney. Funds will support initiatives that strengthen the community, restore local amenities where appropriate, and ensure these proud communities emerge stronger from this difficult chapter.”