It’s a threshing day to support cancer services in Kerry
FEW events capture the essence of tradition, entertainment and generosity quite like the annual Threshing Cancer Day on the farm of Brendan Ferris at Gortnascarry, Beaufort (follow the signs) which takes place on Sunday, September 9 at 12pm.
BRENDAN is the man behind the idea and it gives him – along with the many volunteers - enormous pleasure knowing Threshing Cancer has raised over €140,000 for cancer support services in the county since 2013. But this feat is all down to the public, who continue to support the event year after year.
VINTAGE farm machinery is a major crowd puller every year and, seeing as this year marks the 100th anniversary of John Deere manufacturing - the main dealers for John Deere in Munster - they have been invited to celebrate this important milestone at Threshing Cancer. A selection of John Deere machinery will be on display, including a 90-year-old John Deere tractor with iron wheels and no hydraulics or power steering. This is sure to be of interest to everyone, whether they’re machinery enthusiasts or not. Courtesy of Geary’s Ltd, a child’s gator worth over €400 will also be raffled on the day.
“WE’RE excited about the day and we’ll have all the different methods of threshing used over the years on display,” Brendan said.
“AS you know it’s all for a good cause as according to latest research, cancer now affects 38 per cent of people. That’s worth thinking about for a moment. If you were to watch 100 people pass you by on the street, chances are that 38 of them will get cancer. It’s a scary statistic.”
THRESHING Cancer is now as much an educational pursuit as it is a fun one as it brings old farming practices to a new generation. It’s also a great family day out. Traditional home baking and cooking methods tie in nicely with an old word atmosphere that patrons enjoy. Basically, there is something for everyone from bouncy castles and sheaf tossing, to nail driving and a dog show.
EVERY cent raised on the day goes to the main Kerry cancer services: the Oncology Unit in UHK, Recovery Heaven, Kerry Hospice, and St Joseph’s, Killorglin.
BRENDAN concluded: “I can’t stress enough how valuable our volunteers are. Without them you can’t do anything. Our main aim is cancer care in Kerry, something that affects so many people. What we achieve is all down to the generosity of the public. We thank them for this and hope they will be out in force again to support us on Sunday, September 9.”