A charity calendar inspired by a west Co. Kerry farmer's love of photography has helped to raise €10,000 for a local community hospital.

All of the proceeds raised from the calendar, entitled “A farmer’s year in Corca Dhuibne”, were donated to the Friends of West Kerry Community Hospital.

The idea for the calendar began last November after Dinny Galvin, a dairy farmer from Lispole, was showing his work colleagues some of his photos.

Some of the pictures were taken on Dinny’s own farm, while others were captured while he was on the road working as an artificial insemination (AI) technician.

Dinny, who is also the agriculture liaison officer at Dingle Hub, told Agriland: "For something that started off as a bit of fun, I never envisaged the outcome."

The sales from the calendar came to around €7,000. This total was then topped up thanks to a donation of €3,000 from a couple who own a holiday home on the Dingle Peninsula.

Dinny said he was "flabbergasted" by the original amount raised, but was "blown away" by the generosity of the additional donation.

The cheque for €10,000 was recently presented to the Friends of West Kerry Hospital, which Dinny said was "very well received".

It is understood that the funds raised will be used for a dedicated room for family members of patients at the hospital.

Friends of West Kerry Community Hospital aims to assist in improving the quality of life of residents in the community hospital in Dingle.

The group helps to provide engaging activities and purchasing products that may not be readily available through the health service.

They also will work closely with healthcare professionals and staff at West Kerry Community Hospital to identify specific needs and requirements of the residents.

Dinny said that the community hospital is "vital", particularly for older people, as the Dingle Peninsula is "off the beaten track".

"It's a very important facility to us. We do need to see more services in there, if we can raise money to do that.

"In the grand scheme of things, it might be a drop in the ocean but if you do it all the time, and different groups do it all the time, it's amazing what could be achieved," he said.

The calendar was designed by Deanna O’Connor, while Tanya Moore from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and young entrepreneur James Greany also helped with the project.

Kerry Dairy Ireland and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) contributed towards the cost of printing the calendar.

James Greany, who is also part of the Friends of West Kerry Community Hospital, told Agriland that he was "very surprised" by the demand for the calendar.

Along with copies being purchased in shops locally, the calendars were also sold online to people across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US.

Greany said they are currently considering other fundraising ideas using images from the Dingle Peninsula, such as postcards.