Kilmac Horse Show proceeds are shared among charities
IN A year like no other, where the traditional day out to the Kilmacanogue horse show was not possible due to public health guidelines, the innovative and determined committee of volunteers were not going to let Covid-19 stop them in their mission to keep the show on the road.
It was with great delight that they were able to divide the €5,000 proceeds from their 2020 virtual show among their ten charity partners.
This year’s presentation of cheques could not be conducted in the usual fashion, but a limited number of committee members and charity representatives met for an outdoor, socially distanced presentation.
Show chairman Liam Allen and show president Harry Williams presented cheques
to the three charity partner representatives who attended.
They were John Woods representing Purple House, Deirdre
Keating, Derri Keating and Matthew Davis representing Lakers and John Whelan representing the Irish Kidney Association.
All remaining charity partners have been contacted and will receive their cheques by post – these include Newcourt School, Kilmacanogue Senior Citizens, Charabanc Enniskerry Senior Citizens, Wicklow Dementia Support, Riding for the Disabled Wicklow, Kilmacanogue GAA and Wicklow Hospice.
The heartfelt gratitude expressed by all the charities was more evident than ever before this year as Covid-19 has had a significant impact on their fundraising activities. They were all extremely grateful for the continued support from the Kilmacanogue Horse Show committee and applauded them for their creativity in running a virtual show.
The success of the fundraising was down to everyone who supported the virtual show; those who embraced technology and entered the range of virtual classes – from the equestrian classes to the lock-down living and guessing the weight of the show lamb Speckles.
Harry Williams wanted to also thank all the local businesses and individuals who year after year continue to support the committee enabling them to keep the show on the road and provide the much needed support for local charities.
‘Without this community goodwill and support, the show would not be the success that it continues to be,’ said Mr Williams.
This was the second time in its 48-year history the committee was not able to run a show due to public health priorities. The show was previously cancelled in 2001 due to the foot and mouth epidemic.