Teddy Bears Picnic saw some magic moments at Donkey Sanctuary

IT was the Teddy Bear’s Day – but instead of going down to the woods, they headed to the donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll to enjoy a wonderful picnic with their young owners.

Record crowds from all over Munster saw families descend on the Open Farm at Knockardbane for what is a well established annual fundraising event on the sanctuary’s calendar.

Thanks to the wonderful weather, visitors enjoyed their food outdoors in the picnic area and along the shaded areas of the beautiful walkways, while the donkey’s looked on.

This year there were plenty of activities for children, including face-painting, bouncy castles, a treasure hunt, sand art, and colouring and crafts with Bees Craft Club.

Of course, no Teddy Bears Picnic would be complete without a trip to the Teddy Bears Hospital where veterinary staff were waiting to give the bears a check-up before issuing them with a certificate of good health.

There were plenty donkeys to meet at the picnic, and farm staff were on hand to assist any children who wanted to help with donkey grooming.

Fundraising manager for Ireland, Breeda Clancy, said she was delighted to see so many people attend the annual event. According to Breeda, one of her toughest jobs is choosing competition winners for the ‘Best Dressed Teddy’ and ‘Best Look alike Bear’.

“All the children who come to the picnic put such thought and preparation into getting their bears ready for the competition,” she said.

“This is one of our major fund-raisers, and we are so grateful for people’s support. All monies raised go towards looking after our beautiful donkeys and mules,” Breeda explained.

If you missed the teddy bears picnic, the donkey sanctuary is open year-round with the exception of Christmas Day.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. Admission and parking are both free. Text DONKEY to 50300 to donate €4 to The Donkey Sanctuary. The Donkey Sanctuary will receive a minimum of €3.60 The service provider is LIKECHARITY. The helpline is (076) 680 5278.

Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald. Eleanor, Margaret, Amy and Deirdre Foley and Helen Tobin, Glenville, took some time to pose for the camera lens during their visit to the Donkey Sanctuary.

Niamh, Kayla, Nathan, and Aaron Barrett, Lissarda; and Michael Clancy, Mallow, enjoying the fun and sunshine during the teddy bear’s picnic at the donkey sanctuary.

Emma Dillon and Hannah Lyons from Ballyagran, enjoying the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the Donkey Sanctuary.

Bronagh Sheehan, Mallow, visited the Teddy Bear’s Hospital where veterinary student Elise O’Byrne White took care of her teddy.

Carina, Conor, Ronan and Ciara Butler, Glanworth, enjoying the fun with Joanne, Heather and Jack Murphy from Little Island.

Emma and Kieran Cotter, Monagea, with their teddy and one of the natives at the donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll.

Lydia and Alex O’ Driscoll, from Mallow, brought their little friends along to join in the fun.

Eileen O’Sullivan from Kanturk, with her grandchildren Geoff and Lily Downey from Donoughmore.

Doneraile natives Lauren Carey and her nan, Maria Carey; and Teddy Donnellan with his mum, Emma, enjoying their day out.