It’s time to dust off the dancing shoes and pull out the show stopping outfits, as The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown will be the place to be this Saturday night, May 18 for a fundraiser in aid of cancer research and St Joseph’s Foundation.

The fundraiser will see the doors open at 7pm. There will be a display of dances on the night, including a tango by the South East Rock n Roll Dancers, and artists taking to the stage include Dave Sharkey who will be travelling over from the UK to perform GI Elvis and Buddy Holly with Deak Rivers; Route 66 from Wexford, as well as Trina O’Reilly, who will be launching her first original album. Michael Dennehy of C103 FM will be MC for the night.

Organiser Claire O’Brien said that this ‘Pink Up Night’ (wearing pink is optional) is very close to her heart, as her own sister has breast cancer and is receiving ongoing treatment in America. “I cannot find the words to say how much I appreciate everyone who is involved and the support they have given me in 2012 and again in 2013,” she said.

There will be a prize on the door for a mid-week break for two to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal and all prizes for the raffle have been kindly donated by businesses in Mitchelstown, Fermoy and surrounding areas.

Claire said that it is great to see businesses and people being so generous in these hard times and she said that unfortunately, cancer is something which will have touched most people, either through their own suffering or the loss of someone close. 

“I thank you for helping me to give something back, knowing that we are all bringing comfort in some small way with whatever we contribute through fundraising for this event. I would also like to thank my own family who will be attending on the night and helping out, as they have been doing so much behind the scenes.

“As people don’t know just how much goes into the preparation of such an event as this, believe me it’s not done over night, so let’s hope it’s beneficial to all charities on the night. I have not mentioned everyone individually as it would take up the full news page, but thank you all in whatever way you have assisted me in the preparation of this event. I would like to thank all the artists and dancers who will travel from the UK and Wexford, God bless you for your continued support everyone,” Claire told The Avondhu.

Claire also thanked Mary Donegal of Pass First Time Driving School, who helped her to put up posters and collect prizes; Catherine Lillis of Catache Skincare and Wellness Clinic who has sponsored the event, will be doing make up for artists and will also have a promotional stand on the night; and Lisa Tobin of Broadway Hair Studio who sponsored the hair-do for Trina O’Reilly as well as a raffle prize.

Tickets at €20, including entertainment and finger food, with great raffle and door prizes up for grabs, are available from the reception desk at The Firgrove Hotel and also on the door on the night. All support would be greatly appreciated.