The annual Friends of St Raphael’s Open Day commences each year at 2pm.  This year, the event was planned for Sunday June 27th and when the East Cork Journal arrived at 2.10pm it was to find the grounds of the hospital packed with people, all in great mood, buying, chatting, eating, dancing on the grass and generally having a great time.   The colourful plants were almost all sold, the book stall was doing great business, the burger vans were surrounded, the candy floss was swaying in the warm breeze and the mugs of coffee were being downed at a very fast rate.
Denise FitzGerald | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

But that was only part of what The Friends Open Day is all about.  The Friends of St Raphael’s Fundraising Committee comprises John Roche, Chairman, Frances O’Neill Ahern, Secretary/Treasurer and a very active committee who commenced making their arrangements and organisation back in February, working very hard  to make sure that everything is just right for the day.   The weather was beautiful, the live music was played brilliantly, neighbours met for chats and the residents of the hospital had a fantastic time.

An event such as this needs help from many people, and the Friends of St Raphael’s told the East Cork Journal that they are particularly grateful to their main sponsors, john McCarthy Motors, Fermoy and Ann Marie from Walsh’s Pharmacy, Youghal.  Also, huge thanks to the people of the town and surrounding areas who not only come along on the day to support, but also those who donate items, books, gifts etc.,  Also, for the wonderful home cooked pastries, cakes, scones, biscuits brought along which were very quickly snapped up.

The proceeds of the Open Day will go towards updating the bus which is used on a daily basis for the benefit of the clients.  Bus trips to the beach, the Opera House, and various other outings mean a lot, and as the bus has eight seats which are specifically designed for disabled persons, comfort is included along with the health and safety of the passengers.

Frances O’Neill Ahern told the East Cork Journal that many of the staff gave up their Sunday to help out on the day and the Committee are very grateful to them.  Of course, one cannot forget the marvellous coverage supplied by CRY, and Barty Murphy who organised all the live stage entertainment for the day.

The main winners of the Raffle were:  1st (€500) Katherine Ansbro Blackwater Heights;  2nd (€300) Tadhg Lyons, Crookstown, Cork;  3rd (€100) Finbarr Lyons Minane Bridge;  4th (€100) Susan Yellop, College Road Ardmore.

The Open Day, without doubt, was a huge success but, with so much activity going on, and with the huge crowds who came along to support our own St Raphael’s, there really wasn’t much time to stop and smell the roses!

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