Liam McCarthy and his family are well known locals, and live in Tallow Street, Youghal where they run a Newsagents Shop.  Eleven years ago their son, Ben, was born and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  Over the years, the family became very involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Association and helping to raise funds for them.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Several months ago Ben came up with the idea of holding a fundraising Barbeque, and on Sunday last in Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield, Ben and the entire McCarthy family, with the help of a very good friend, Henry Nicholson, organised the most lavish of Barbeques ever seen.

The range of foods was amazing, and the different accompanying salads, sauces and dips just had to be tried. Henry and the McCarthy’s all turned out in their CF aprons and hats, suitably gloved and bursting with energy and enthusiasm. A very large crowd turned up to support this fundraiser, and there was no better venue than Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield. The sun shone and brilliant music was played by the Drombue Hill Band.  The large green area in the front was filled with children running and playing, while the adults basked in the sunshine, chatted with friends and thoroughly enjoyed the hot food.

Liam, Vice Chairman of the Cork Branch of the Association, said that Cystic Fibrosis has the highest incidence of genetic conditions in Ireland, and funds are badly needed. A Day Unit in Cork has commenced, at the cost of €1m, and this Unit will be a great help to everyone.  However, as the HSE are not in a healthy financial position at present, fundraising events must be organised to help raise the necessary monies.  “This is the first time that we have organised a BBQ”, Liam said, “and it seems to be going very well.  Of course, the good weather is a great help and people are very kind”.

Liam and his family wish to thank Michael Farrell for the use of his wonderful venue, HB Ice Cream, Stephen Murphy, BWG Foods, The Butcher Boy Youghal, Michael Cunningham Butcher, Youghal, Palace Foods and the Drombue Hill Band. And last, but certainly not least, their good friend Henry Nicholson who cooked, and cooked and cooked…