DARE TO CARE FOR CANCER
Bemused bystanders stood in wonder as a bus load of brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers of the bride made their way to Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant.
The champagne flowed as Michelle Hanlon and over 75 of her family and friends dared to wear ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’ to raise money for Today FM’s Dare To Care campaign in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
The event came about after Michelle heard about Wedding Dress Wednesday on Today FM and dared her sister Lorraine and cousin Siobhan to wear wedding dresses while doing their shopping in Dunnes’ Stores in The Marshes.
‘When they took up the dare I decided to do something bigger and invited all the ladies I knew to come over to the house for a bit of a get together,’ explained Michelle. ‘It escalated after that and when the ladies arrived at my house, they had no idea that we were all going to Fitzpatrick’s for a champagne reception sponsored by Danny and Dymphna.’
‘ The craic was mighty and that was exactly the way I wanted it,’ said Michelle, whose cousin Mairead Oliver passed away from cancer during the summer. ‘I wanted the whole family and friends to get together and just have a laugh.’
After the champagne reception, the wedding party went back to Michelle’s house where they were treated to dinner and wedding cake sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel, McCrysal’s Shop, Brendan Copas Avonmore, the Home Bakery and Tommy’s Tarts, and goodie bags from Bioline and Exhale beauty.
‘Everyone knows somebody affected by cancer,’ she continued. ‘However, we had three ladies there on the night who have come through it.’
One of those was Rose Roddy from Bellurgan Point who was wearing the dress which she bought in Nanette’s, Clanbrassil St for her wedding 39 years ago. ‘It cost me £25.’ She was enjoying the night with her daughter Michelle Clifford. With them was Mary Clarke from Jenkinstown who was also wearing the dress and hat which she had purchased in Dublin. Evelyn Shields was wearing what was probably the oldest dress on the night, which came with a matching parasol. ‘It’s 44 years old and was my mother’s dress,’ she said.
The night was a huge success with a delighted Michelle reporting that it raised €4,532.50.