Bing Crosby donated $1,000 to St Mary’s Drumcar service
AMERICAN Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Raymond Guest, presented a cheque for 1,000 dollars on behalf of film star, Bing Crosby to the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God at St. Mary’s, Drumcar.
The cheque, which will help defray the cost of providing recreational facilities for the 370 boys in St. Marys, was presented at an informal function held on Thursday evening last.
The distinguished gathering at the presentation Included: Rev. P. Kennedy, C.C., Darver; Mr. P. Faulkner, T.D., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Gaeltacht, and Mr. J. L. . Reilly, chairman. Louth County Board.
Mr. Jim Whitty, Dundalk, who heads a special fund-raising committee, explained how Bing Crosby was asked to guest star in a special concert for St. Marys. Unfortunately, he could not flt the concert into his busy schedule, so he sent the cheque for $1,000—the amount which he considered St. Mary’s would make on the concert.
Mr. Guest said that Bing Crosby happened to be a good friend of his. therefore, it was a double pleasure for him to be able to hand over the singer’s contribution to the furtherance of the great work being done by the centre. He knew that the Brothers would make good use of this trans-Atlantic gift.
“There can be few places in the world,” said Mr. Guest, “where great qualities are to be found in greater measure than here at Drumcar, among the Brothers of St. John of God and, therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present this gift on behalf of the donor.”
Bro. Aloysius, who recently took over from Bro. Declan as Prior at Drumcar, welcomed Mr. Guest by stating that St. Mary’s were honoured in having such a distinguished visitor.
The Prior revealed that Drumcar at present caters for 370 handicapped boys from all over the country, but they now knew that recreational facilities played a vital role in the training of the handicapped. However, these facilities cost money and it was for that reason they were hoping for good support for their draw, the prizes for which were kindly donated by G.E.C. (Ireland) Ltd.
The entire 14 Brothers in the community lined the hallway to greet the guests as they arrived, and the catering for the function was expertly handled by members of the Dundalk Guild of the I.C.A.