Dundalk Rugby ladies enjoy their se

On Saturday afternoon I headed for the Fairways Hotel for the 2nd Dundalk Rugby Club’s Ladies Lunch, a fundraising afternoon that included a fashion show, three course meal, raffle, award for the best dressed lady, to help raise money for local charities SOSAD, the Maria Goretti Foundation and the Gavin Glynn Foundation.

I wasn’t too long there when I met up with committee member Irenaeus McCaffrey from Point Road who told me this was only their second time running the event and after the success of their first, they couldn’t but return as it is such a good fundraiser for well deserved local causes. She went on to say the committee wanted to thank everyone involved in the running of the day and specially those who generously donated prizes for the raffle and all proceeds will be equally divided between the three charities.

After this I headed over for a quick chat with Bridget Tooher from Ard Easmuinn who told me she has been an avid follower of rugby since Ireland won back in 1949. Living in England, they had to suppress their joy every time Ireland played and won and has been a fan and supporter ever since. Bridget also asked me to give a special mention for her daughter-in-law Barbara Tooher who was busty on the day helping to make sure the event was a smooth running success.

Not too far away I had the pleasure of meeting up with Marie Fegan from Kilkerley who was looking very well and told me she was really looking forward to the day with her friends Lynn Carroll, Carmel McElroy and Emily Marmion some of the ladies from the Ballymascanlon Leisure Centre w ho were being fashionably late.

Next I headed over for a quick word with another two of the organising committee in Stephanie Minford from Belfry Avenue and Annmarie Grogan from Lis Na Dara who told me it had been a hectic week of preparation work, but they were there on the day and were ready for a busy time to make sure the event was a success for everyone attending.

I then headed over for a chat with Emer Malone from Ravensdale and

Renata Malone from Dublin Road who admitted to being seasoned campaigners for the DRC Ladies Lunch and said they’d enjoyed the first one so much they certainly weren’t going to miss this one. They were then joined by Mandy Good originally from Kilkenny now Dublin Road who said they were hoping for another great day.

Not too long in were Ciara Harris from Lis Na Dara, Michelle McCabe from Stickillin and Ann McCabe from Headford who were there to support the causes and Ann said she was very proud of the fact she has three granddaughters and one grandson all playing with the club too.

After this I headed over for a chat with Mairead Murdock, Sarah Smyth and Aoife Ward all from Kilkerley and Ceire Maguire from Barrack Close who were all looking very well and said they couldn’t wait for the event to get going and were sure it was going to be an excellent day.

Making my way through the crowds I then met up with Claire Wallace from Willow Grove whose sons Laurence and Sam both play with DRC and she was having a time of it with Mary McGinnity originally from Longford, now from Dublin Road and Ann McGuinness from Blackrock who said they were really looking forward to the lunch, fashion show and raffles to raise money for such worthy causes.

I then caught up with two ladies I know well, Deirdre Matthews from Kilcrowney and Carolann Murphy from Blackrock Road who were enjoying the occasion with Denise Murphy from Drogheda. The girls told me they both had players in their ranks (both of whom have thankfully handed up their boots and gum shields) and were delighted to be there because of their friendships with committee members Mary Steen and Barbara Brennan.

As I made my way through the crowds I then got a word with Rosemary Reilly from Knockbridge, Emer McGrath from Blackrock and Miriam Williams from Ardee Road whose son plays with the club and said they were all really looking forward to the event and were very impressed with the reception when they arrived. They also wanted to wish the organisers all the best with their fundraising drive.

Next I had the pleasure of chatting to Claire Voigt from Dunmor who told me she was there with Helen Macartain, Laura Sharkey, Stephanie Minford and Annmarie Grogan who are all members of the Bougie Book Club and was sure it was going to be an excellent day.

After this I headed over for a quick word with Majella Babington from

Kilkerley and Siobhan Collins from Crossmaglen who told me this was ther first time at the event and were delighted to be supporting the causes and wanted to point out the gin was nothing short of gorgeous!

Making my way through the crowds I then got talking to Fiona McArdle from Ard Easmuinn who was with Mary McGee from Rockmarshall, Carina Richardson from Ardee Road and Leona Burns from Donaghmore who told me Mary and Carina’s grandsons Oisin and Ronan both play with the club so they were delighted to be there to support the event.

Finally, before I departed I caught up with Chanel Callaghan and Dearbhla McGivern both from Point Road who said the people and the place looked just great and they were definitely going to have a wonderful day with all their friends.