A family from Doneraile recently raised €9,165 for Pieta House to go towards work on the Cork centre, to mark the tenth anniversary of Padraig Horgan who tragically took his own life on December 16, 2002.

The family decided to organise an art exhibition to commemorate Padraig's life and to donate the money to an organisation which helps people to come out of the darkness of depression and suicide and choose life instead.

The exhibition involved almost 200 displays on December 15, 16 and 23 with paintings coming in from all over the country and two even coming from Korea.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Main Street of Doneraile to pay tribute to Padraig and to support the exhibition, which was organised by committee members Seamus Hunter, Fidelma Nolan, Jack Neenan, Eddie O'Farrell, Michelle O'Sullivan and the Horgans - Eamonn Snr, Catherine, Orlaith, Eamonn Jnr and Claire.

On Valentine's night, they presented the cheque to Joan Freeman of Pieta House, who said that the amount raised would ensure that ten lives are saved and it would make a real difference to the organisation.

During the cheque presentation, there were a number of songs and performances, with Siobhan Shinnick singing 'Siul a Ruin', the Presentation Primary Ballad Group singing 'Buachaill on Eirne' and 'Spanish Lady' and Jodie Cusack gave a wonderful rendition of 'On Eagle's Wings'.

On presenting the cheque, Eamonn Horgan thanked Joan Freeman for establishing Pieta House, which has four centres in Dublin, Galway and Limerick and soon they are to be built in Cork and Kerry. The organisers thanked the artists who contributed paintings and everyone who supported the exhibition.

The committee would like to thank the Kelly family from Doneraile Court tearooms who provided tea and sandwiches at the presentation; butcher Mick O'Sullivan who provided puddings and sausages; Ted and Deirdre Walsh who provided tea and coffee throughout the exhibition; Lianne Buckley for doing the posters; Mary Griffin for taking a photographic record of the whole event and Ned Duggan of The Avondhu for his attendance and coverage.

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