The Abbey Bay Residents in Ballyshannon have announced a bumper evening in aid of Relay for Life Donegal – the first ever Relay fundraiser to be held in the town.
The night of music and giveaways in McGinley’s Bar Ballyshannon on Saturday 28th June will be in loving memory of a popular local lady, Bernadette McIntyre, who passed away in May.
A raffle will be held on the night with all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society.
Bernie’s brother, John McIntyre and his “No Name Band” will provide the entertainment in what will be a very poignant evening. Events begin from 9.30pm.
John said: “I was selling off old iron at the house for a few hundred euros and just thought I would donate it to charity. I asked my neighbour Paul McLoone if there was a cancer charity that he would think appropriate and he mentioned Relay. That was on 20th March and after I told my sister Bernie about it, she thought it was a great idea and immediately donated a further €100. We planned the event for mid-May but on 10th May, tragically Bernie passed away. The suddenness and shock of Bernie’s passing is still hard to take in but we want to honour her memory on the 28th June by raising as much money as we can for Relay.”
Paul McLoone, who encountered cancer six times over the years, attends Relay in Letterkenny every year. He says that they have been a huge support to cancer sufferers throughout Donegal over the years.
Paul saidL “I was delighted when John mentioned a cancer charity as I have observed the Relay for Life team at first hand for many years. Their contribution to the wellbeing of cancer patients in Co. Donegal since their first event twelve years ago has been immeasurable. It is tremendous that my home area in the Abbey is now hosting an evening for Relay and is even more special when we can now honour Bernie McIntyre who, together with her family, have been trojan workers for our community for as long as I can remember.”
Seamus Devine & Paul McLoone
Chairman of Relay for Life Donegal Seamus Devine will attend the event in McGinley’s. “Relay has a great presence in many parts of the county but I am keen that we host more events in South Donegal.
“I was delighted when Paul told me about the Ballyshannon event at Relay in Letterkenny on 25th May and I do hope the bonds that will be established in McGinley’s will go from strength to strength for years to come.”
Tickets for the fundraising raffle are available in McGinley’s (€10 each) or you can purchase them online by texting Paul at 087 2222834 who will forward you on the link.
