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21st August 2012 • Volume 19, Issue 24 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Locals Dig Deep To Raise Over €100,000
Heroes Homecoming At Dublin Airport
ST. FRANCIS HOSPICE
A local charity fundraising team, which has been in operation for the past seven years, has become a very important source of funding for St Francis Hospice. Originally set up as a local fundraiser for Temple Street Hospital, the charity has made a tremendous difference to it’s beneficiaries. For the past five years, the charity, which was known as Naul Friends of St Francis, has organised a Golf Classic on behalf of the Hospice each year. This year’s event took place on Friday, 10th August last and attracted a great turnout on what was, arguably the best day weatherwise in an utterly miserable summer. One of the organisers, Des Connolly told the County Leader: “To date we have collected €115,000 towards the St Francis Hospice. As usual, we were supported by many local businesses, who in times of recession, dug deep into their pockets to support us. We are thrilled that companies, who have many financial commitments, still support us. To them, we are most grateful,” he said. It was the brainchild of locals, Des Connolly, Peter Mongey and Mary Kiely and this year marked the fifth year of the Annual Fundraiser at Hollywood Lakes Golf Club. The heroic efforts of this trio has ensured that the
By Patrick Finnegan
lives of people in need of vital care are enhanced. Their hard work and dedication in providing countless hours into securing funds for St Francis Hospice, means that this event has now become a regular feature in the annual calendar of the popular North County course. Members look forward to it every year and they make a valuable contribution to the day. Many of them partake in the event, whilst others gladly give up their golf for the day in support of this cause. Already, over €13,000 has been collected this year through teams, sponsorship and donations. “We are extremely grateful to the management and the entire staff at Hollywood Lakes Golf Club for their on-going support. Our sights are now firmly fixed on 9th August 2013 for our next St Francis Hospice outing,” said Des. The day attracted 40 teams of 4 and the top prize on the day was won by the Fitzpatrick family, led by Fergus Fitzpatrick. They came in with a very impressive 96 points, with the team from the Cock Tavern in Swords narrowly behind in second place. The evening continued with music and dancing and the gathering was greeted by club captain, Mick Brew, who very
Local Athletes Go For Paralympic Glory The North County’s three competitors in the upcoming 2012 Paralympic Games in London are putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of their departure to compete in the Games. Catherine Walsh from Swords, Nadine Nadine Lattimore Heather Jameson Catherine Walsh Lattimore from Baldoyle and Heather Jameson from Garristown long jump. Local Swords company, McInerney are among the local athletes who will be bidding Saunders is one of the sponsors of the Irish team. for medal glory in the English capital at the While Catherine represents a very realistic Games. Catherine, our world champion cyclist, has c h a n c e o f a g o l d m e d a l , b o t h N a d i n e a n d been preparing for the games in Portugal. She has Heather, who is our youngest competitor, will been putting in hours on the track and in the velo- fancy their chances of bringing glory back, not drome in her quest for medal glory. Nadine only to the North County, but the entire country. Lattimore will be competing in the discus and shot We wish them the best of luck and have no doubt that they putt category and Check out our website for an inspiring will acquit themselves Heather Jameson in promotional video about the Paralympics. with pride. the 100m, 200m and
Aer Lingus worker, Eoin McGirl from Balbriggan seized a golden opportunity to welcome home Olympic golden girl, Katie Taylor, when Team Ireland arrived home to a rapturous reception last Monday week.
generously made a donation in lieu of momentos which would have been given to members on his Captain’s Day. This gesture had the full backing of the membership and displayed the kind of generosity which is evident in this club. A spanking brand new Peugeot 208 was on offer for anyone who had a hole in one at the difficult par 3 17th hole. Nobody claimed this great prize, although, one golfer, Robbie Keogh had a hole in one at the 4th hole, which provided him with a 4 ball at the Island Golf Club. Unfortunately, he didn’t win the big prize. A delighted Ethel McKenna, CEO of St Francis Hospice, in a message to the fundraising team said: “We all had a great night and the support for St. Francis Hospice is fantastic – five years is a major support and everyone I spoke with said “see you next year.” Yourself and The Muslim feast of Eid took place on Sunday last to celebrate the end of Ramadan. It is a feast that is much enjoyed by all, particularly by children, who enjoy presents and being spoiled by their families. River Valley Community Centre in Swords was the venue for North County Eid celebrations. Pictured enjoying themselves are local children, Tesleem, Adam, Sodiq, Shahad Sonkat,, along with Tabeeb, Richi, Fahi Sabab and Fahad.
Siobhán Moore, DAA External Communications Manager welcomes Olympic Golden Girl, Katie Taylor home, as she arrives with Team Ireland at Dublin Airport last week.
Peter and Mary do a fantastic job for us.” She continued: “As I mentioned on the night, it is amazing how we have progressed so far over the years, from literally 3 portacabins in Raheny to a fully operational hospice there and most recently, to the partially open hospice in Blanchardstown two days a week. We continue to work in partnership with the H.S.E. to open beds in St. Francis Hospice Blanchardstown in Year 2013. Funding is a difficulty, but we have to keep pressing for patient beds to open. We do have waiting lists in Raheny. Many thanks to all Friends of the Naul Golf Classic for their wonderful support of St. Francis Hospice. We face many challenges and are so privileged to have the support of groups like yourselves,” she concluded. See pictures and sponsor list on page 9