GRANAGH IN THE PINK !!!

Peggy's Fan Club:

WE WENT PINK FOR PEGGY: What a day we had in the parish last Sunday - there are just not enough adjectives in the dictionary to describe the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the co-operation, the emotion, the generosity and the overwhelming support we received from people & business' all over the place. This is truly a testament to Peggy's personality and how she has endeared herself to so many people. Everyone was devastated to hear her cancer had returned and shortly after that Paddy had an accident at work. When the suggestion was made to organize a meeting to see what could be done to help out, people were only delighted to be given the chance to do something for the family. The fifty strong committee of ''Peggy's Pals '' was whittled down to a steering group of six, chaired by Cllr Richard O'Donoghue and including Michéal Ahern, Ann Leahy, Niamh O'Hanlon, Patsy Power and Mary O'Regan. Deciding on the date of the 14th, gave us just two weeks to make all the arrangements. Richard & Michéal organized the Vintage run, contacting all their friends, arranging the marshalling, traffic management etc. Thanks to the Vintage drivers who constantly come out in support of good cause. They are out almost every Sunday during the summer, it must cost them a small fortune. Thanks to John Bennett & family who allowed the use of their field for parking all the vehicles off road, it was a sight to behold. Thanks to the Rock for supplying rolls to all the drivers beforehand and getting them off to a great start. Niamh and Claire Mc looked after the Vintage registration along with their team of Annette, Catherine, Natalie, Maureen & Noreen & Mary - they registered 177 vehicles - trucks, tractors, cars & bikes !! Everyone who registered received a free strip of tickets for a separate draw, with seven prizes.

Vehicle prize of a Laochra Hoodie was won by TJ Kelly, Dullas. Best Dressed Male - Stephen Kiely and Best Dressed Female - Gerry O'Donovan !! Anne Leahy & Rena O'Brien took on the Fun Walk registration along with their team which included, Anne, Grace, Shauna, Claire,Theresa, & Siobhán - they registered 330 walkers !! Each walker received a free strip of tickets for their own draw with seven prizes also. Eileen Sheehan got them ready for the walk with a some muscle stretches in the wonderful sunshine. The Soccer club members manned the cross roads & had water bottles on hand for the blazing sunshine. The Cake Sale was organized by Patsy Power, Anne Hickey & Mary Morrissey supported by their team of Theresa, Zara, Lily, Marion, Anne, Karen & Breda. There may have been more helping even as their was a huge amount of delicious baking donated. There was a little left over and we gave it to the Camogie Club who were hosting Doora Barefield that evening in Ballingarry. After the match the girls were ravenous and finished off everything. The Kitchen was overflowing with more food to feed all participants, every inch of space was covered, chairs had to be set up to take trays of sandwiches, cakes etc Even though it was hot, a cuppa was still good after the walk. Marie, Nora and Eileen were joined by all the ladies who were free and the food was dished out. As the match was being show back the road, some opted for cooler refreshments. The ladies kindly took boxes of supplies next door to feed the hungry. Buns that remained were given to the Cúl Camp in Ballingarry, which is running for the week. Any biscuits that remained will be donated to Milford Hospice The Raffle and Draw was looked after by Eileen Power & M O'Regan along with their team of two Emma's, Hannah, Eileen, Mary, Noreen & her daughter. They must have had writers' cramp and tennis elbow on Monday because they were constantly writing tickets from early morning up to 3pm, when we had to call a halt. Mary Morrissey had to make an emergency dash to O'Grady's for extra ticket books, such was the demand. I don't think there could be a raffle in the country to compare - we received over 80, that's eighty prizes..!! We have never seen that many prizes in one place at any one time, it was unbelievable how generous people were, they kept coming and coming. Thanks to Eileen and Marian for helping sort them on the day. We made up hampers with a number of prizes, we donated some to the Table Quiz in Ballingarry and some to the Ardagh community who are also holding a fundraiser. And we still had 47 prizes to give away !!! Full results next week, when they all have been contacted. A million thanks to Marian Sheehy who spent the day back and forth, climbing walls, traipsing through the field, fighting her way through the crowds - to take hundreds of photos, which record an amazing day in the parish. The photos are on our Facebook page - granaghcommunitynews. Míle Buiochas is all we can say to the people who contributed to the '' Go Fund Me Page'', such incredible generosity.. I saw a quote from Taylor Swift saying ... '' No matter what happens in life, Be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave ''. We saw that on Sunday. I might have forgotten some people but Thank You to each and every one. No matter what you did, every little thing contributed to make this the most successful fundraiser ever. Just some examples - Grace & her neighbours in Dawn Court, Athlacca, not only bought tickets and gave us baking, they spent days making the pink and white braids for the volunteers. Simone kindly supplied seven prizes for the kids and we had a special raffle for them. You should have seen the delight on their faces when they won. Paul & Sinead Fitzgerald, Ballingarry sent over a box of sweets, all separately bagged, to be given out to the children. The Camogie Club had Caprisun left over from their walk and gave them to us for the children, even the adults used some of them. Marianne Kelly brought her market stall on the day, selling all kinds of everything, from beautiful knitted garments to soap, candles and jewellery. All proceeds were donated to the funds. The residents of Morenane House made a collection and send us on a donation also. Catherine brought loads of decorations for the Hall and it looked marvellous. These are only some of what went on in the past two weeks, lots more was done quietly and we didn't get to hear it. The following was said to one of the committee and it sums things up - '' If the cure for cancer was love and community spirit, then Granagh would hold the cure in their hands." The best part of the day was meeting Peggy at the Rock afterwards, one had to join the queue though !!! Wishing Peggy every success with her treatment and hope it all goes well. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.

CHOMHBHRÓN: Our sympathies to the family of Maurice Barrett, Doorlus, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on the 10th July. Deeply regretted by wife Marie, and daughters Ailbhe, Esther and Louisalong with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, family circle and friends. He was reposed at Daffy's Funeral Home with removal to St Joseph's Church, Granagh. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday with burial afterwards to the local cemetery. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí do.

ADVENTURE DAY: Sunday 21st Jul: Glenosheen Woods, Ardpatrick. The Family Adventure Day will have a packed programme which is family orientated with activities for a range of different ages. The outdoor adventure activities are aimed primarily at those who may not have experienced these activities before. It will highlight all the amenities and outdoor recreation that the Ballyhoura region has to offer. Enjoy lunch at the event with food and drink available from local vendors on site to refuel and re-energise for more fun. You could also treat your kids to a well deserved ice cream!! Free fun family activities such as Hoverball Archery, Kickdart, Giant Jenga and more! For more info & booking - tel: 063 9173. Email beo@ballyhoura.org TABLE QUIZ: Bridget O'Keeffe is organising a quiz fundraiser for Peggy in Condron's, Ballingarry on Saturday 20th at 9pm with Jim Chawke as quiz master. Table of 4, €20.