Birthday boy Paudie’s good cause for a bash
A 50TH birthday celebration put on a smile for a deserving cause when well known Ballydesmond personsality Paudie Herlihy helped generate €1,602 for the Irish Cancer Society.
Divided GAA loyalties either side of the county bounds were put on hold for a special get together in Bob’s Bar and the occasion was marked by a massive turnout for the popular character. Friends from Ballydesmond GAA and Munster Joinery convened to support Paudie’s venture that he pledged to undertake after the death of his mum, Mary, more than a decade ago.
‘I thought this would be a great tribute to her memory while at the same time raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society. All thanks to those who supported the event and for their kind generosity, I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the response, it’s been amazing”, he said.
“I feel cancer research is very important in finding treatments to help people have a better quality of life and a better long term prognosis, and I am delighted that the funds will be used for this purpose”.
Munster co-ordinator for the Irish Cancer Society Nicola McMahon applauded Paudie on raising money for a cause that is dear to him. “Money raised goes towards cancer research projects. Hopefully, the research will lead to less people getting cancer and those who do have the best outcome possible”, she said.
Meanwhile, it’s back to normal life and banter in Ballydesmond, and with the longer days approaching Gaelic games fare is rousing interest. And though supporting Ballydesmond is evident, Munster championship sorts out the best of partisan supporters with die hard Kerry supporter Paudie keen for the return of the traditional rivalry.
“The Munster championship requires a Cork and Kerry meeting, that’s sure to whet the appetite here on the county bounds,” he said.