BINGO NIGHT HITS JACKPOT
“THE people of Drogheda are amazing, so supportive, and when you get genuine, ordinary people making an effort to come out on a Friday night, or donate online, or just send you a message, you realise what a wonderful community we have here in the town.”
The words of Joanne Thornton, who says she was completely blown away by the number of people who attended her recent event in memory of her son Keane, who would have celebrated his 21st on the night.
He passed away at the age of just five in 2003 from meningitis, and his parents Joanne and John organised the fun Bingo Night in O’Raghallaigh’s on January 25th to raise funds for ACT for Meningitis.
“It was a massive success, and we were totally overwhelmed at the amount of people who turned up on the night, and generously donated €6,125,” says Joanne.
“Some of the first to arrive were Keane’s first teachers from his short time in St John’s and Maura and Bernie shared some wonderful memories of him, including reminding me that I used to bring Keane to school pushing my niece Robyn in her buggy, and she was there now as a beautiful 17-year-old.”
Countless friends and family members came along on the night too, so much so, they thought they might run out of space!
“We had the two rooms booked and by 8pm they were packed, so David (Moore) was running around making sure there was space for everyone, but we managed to pull it off,” she says with a laugh.
“We actually managed to play some bingo too, with Bingo Caller Noel Reilly having great craic with everyone.”
Ticket sales were brisk as well, with some great prizes donated by individuals and businesses.
A lovely moment was when a giant McCloskey’s cake, with Keane’s picture on it, was brought out and everyone sang happy birthday.
“My mam Olive Smith gave a little speech about Keane, and there were definitely a few tears then,” admits Joanne.
“All the money will now go to ACT for Meningitis, who are trying to build a house where support services and workshops can be held, and we’re so grateful to everyone for helping them to realise their goal.”