Relay for Life has raised over €90,000 in five years
By Maurice Garvey
RELAY for Life Ballyfermot last weekend hosted a charity match - the latest Relay event to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
A mix of current and former players lined out in Le Fanu Park as Ballyfermot United and a Relay for Life team battled their way to a 2-2 draw, with the latter team winning 9-8 on penalties.
Players that competed in the charity match
Over the last five years, Relay for Life Ballyfermot has raised nearly €90,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.
Cherry Orchard brothers Wayne, Daniel and Kevin McGarry, started the initiative in 2013 to honour their mother Patty McGarry, who passed away that year after suffering from a cancer-related illness.
“The first day in six weeks with a bit of rain, but it was great and we had a World Cup draw afterwards,” said Daniel, who retired this year as a player with Ballyfermot United.
The Relay, which will take place in August, features a 24-hour run at Le Fanu Park, with teams of people committing at least one member of their team on the track at all times. It has proved incredibly popular, with up to 2,000 people involved in the candle ceremony at the 2016 event.
Posters and flyers will be going up in the community over the next couple of weeks.
“There is no cut-off point for people joining up,” said Daniel.
“It is open right up to the event. A big thing is that we invite and want cancer survivors to come along – they are a big part of this. At around 9.30pm on the Saturday there is a candle remembrance ceremony, the lights in the compound go off, everyone lights a candle. It is amazing.”
Relay for Life Ballyfermot takes place August 4/5 in Le Fanu Park, The Lawns.
Full picture page from the event in this week’s Echo.
TAGS Ballyfermot
