Communities shine
Carnew, Newtown, Ballinacor and Bray give generously
CLUBS across Co. Wicklow are holding fundraisers to raise money for various good causes with all discovering that the generosity of their members is very impressive.
Carnew Emmets GAA Club have raised over €12,000 at the time of going to print with huge numbers of the local community taking to the roads and hills around the town to clock up the kilometers for the fundraiser in aid of Carnew Community Centre.
‘Firstly, we would like to say a huge thank you to everybody that has contributed to the Carnew Community Care fundraiser, either by participating in the challenge or donating,’ said Carnew Emmets member Pádraig Doran who came up with the idea along with some other members of the club.
‘Together, we have raised over €12,000 from 300+ donors, all for an extremely worthy organisation that does vital work for the elderly in our community.
‘Over the weekend, we walked, ran and cycled 2334 kilometers, while the staff and volunteers in the center covered 362 miles last week! Though, the true inspiration comes from the residents... with a combined age of 2063 years, they clocked up an amazing 152 miles in five days!
‘The success of the fundraiser speaks volumes about the pride that we all have for Carnew Community Care. The work that they do has touched us all in some way and we’re truly lucky to have it on our doorstep. A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers.
‘The donation link will remain open for another few days... Stay tuned for some great photos of the residents kitted out in their sponsored t-shirts,’ he added.
At the time of going to print Newtown GAA have raised over €8,000 for Pieta House after their 24-hour run received massive local support.
The Magpies covered a grand total of 1,260km after starting at 7.30pm on Saturday evening with members taking turns to run throughout the next 24 hours.
‘What a 24 hours,’ they wrote on their Facebook page. ‘What a huge amount of kilometers by everyone involved! What an amazing sum of money raised... so far! Donations will remain open until Wednesday!
‘If you, like us, are blown away by the effort that everyone involved put in please do donate,’ they added.
Ballinacor have also kicked off their own fundraiser, to raise funds for St Colman’s.
‘The plan is the ‘St. Colman’s Challenge’ which entails a 5km run/ walk/bike/ hike or crawl,’ wrote Bernie Byrne from Ballinacor Camogie Club. ‘I’m very much hoping that all our local sporting team’s get involved with this and all our local businesses. Everyone and anyone can donate. Let’s look after OUR LOCAL HEROES. It will be running until the June Bank Holiday weekend. Sincere thanks in advance,’ she added.
At the time of going to print that fiundraising drive had raised over €4,000 of a €5,000 target with money still coming in.
Bray Emmets SHC winning captain of 2019 Marc Lennon has been taken aback by the support and generosity of people in Co. Wicklow after the hurling ace launched a fundraiser for Bray’s Purple House Cancer Support charity last Friday.
With 24 hours of Marc’s post on Facebook a very impressive €€1,320 had been raised with his initial target of €500 dwarfed by the generosity of friends, family and supporters. Currently, the total amount raised for Marc’s marathon on June 6 is a whopping €2,245.
‘To say I am absolutely blown away by the amount of support and generosity shown by so many, in less than 24 hours we completely smashed the goal raising an amazing €1,300,’ said Marc on Saturday.
‘I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support given because I know just how much this is going to help Purple House and want to thank every one of you. First run this morning a lot more work to be done,’ he added.
Marc’s plan is to complete a 42km run while also attempting 500 Gaelic football and hurling shots in between on June 6. The Bray star explains on the charity page where you can donate if you wish.
‘In these uncertain times we are in I have decided to attempt to do some good. Unfortunately, many families in Ireland have had to deal with having a loved one go through cancer or know someone who has.
‘This is a very difficult and emotional process and one thing that makes this process a little easier is having support that Purple House provide free of charge to all families going through this,’ he explained.
‘Most of you will know me from playing Gaelic football and hurling for Bray Emmets Senior teams.
‘What I’m not known for is my ability to shoot on target and I’m am certainly not a long-distance runner but this is a charity that touches home and will all be worth it in the end, raising these funds for such a great charity. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated by myself and Purple House,’ he added.
Marathon Breakdown: 150 Gaelic football shots, 12km run, 100 Gaelic football shots, 10km run, 150 hurling shots, 10km run, 100 hurling shots, 10km run.