Cape Clear Charity Funday 2010

Niamh Ni O Drisceoil Lá Spraoi Chléire ~ Cape Clear Charity Funday 2010

Music, merriment and madness are words that can only be used to describe the 2nd Annual Cape Clear Charity Fun Day 2010. This is a day put aside by the community of Oiléan Chléire to raise much needed funds for 3 charities close to our hearts ~ Irish Cancer Society, Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association and Baltimore RNLI.

In fact, the day began for many as they departed Baltimore, as passengers aboard the Cailín Óir and were entertained on their inbound journey by the St Patrick’s Pipe Band, Bandon. They were then met by a sight in North Harbour that would rival Croke Park on any match day! Red and white hung from every available height, balloons in every colour under the sun bounced in the warm breeze, while laughter and cheer could be heard echoing from the luminous bouncy castle.

The event kick started at 12.30pm with a kiddie’s treasure hunt and progressed with a busy line up of events thereafter. Much enjoyment was procured by young and old, by throwing wet sponges at our two willing victims Margaret and Jamie, though a few “innocent” bystanders also received a splash or two!!

The Ní Drisceoil sisters stood diligently by their cake stand that held a feast of fabulous treats while the dynamic duo that are ‘Free Beer’ entertained the masses without payment with their song and gaiety throughout the day. Cllr Brendan Leahy also obliged us with a tune or two from his newly released album, ‘An Island in Time’, and the pipe band once again filled the air with their unique sound and rhythm.

Of course another important event was also part of our day ~ Cork Vs Dublin! And what a day it was too. With 30 odd Dubs decked in blue and many more in their Rebel jerseys, the atmosphere in the local pub was electric to say the least. Tensions ran high but the banter remained friendly! The afternoon began with the boys and girls in blue hitting the high notes but the blue tide soon turned red and renditions of ‘the Banks’ nearly lifted the roof!

Disheartened though they may have been, the Dubs present that day gave generously, with Hal and Derek volunteering to have their hair dyed, raising €600 between them to do so. Not to be outdone, our skipper Fachtna O’ Drisceoil raised enough to get his hair coloured bright red for the day that was in it, as did Kevin and co.

When the last of the visitors left, the sun began to set and the final tally was made, €4,590 was raised to share equally between our 3 charities of choice. The day was an outstanding success and much thanks goes to the voluntary committee who worked tirelessly in the previous weeks to ensure all who came would have a ball…....and that they did, on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon.

The committee would like to express our thanks to all those who contributed and donated in anyway and travelled across seas to be with us. A special thank you must go to the local business who kindly sponsored generous prizes for the event. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

ENDS