Limerick hurling great TJ Ryan launches special day at the races

CLIONA'S Foundation has announcd that their annual inter-firm charity race day will take place on Thursday, May 23 at Limerick Racecourse. 

Former Limerick hurler and manager and Cliona’s ambassador TJ Ryan was on hand to launch this special race day with CEO of Cliona’s Foundation, Brendan Ring. 

Cliona’s have supported 1,437 families all over the country since 2008 - 265 of which are in the Mid-West.

Speaking about the importance of fundraising events for the organisation, Mr Ring said the relentless increase in inflation shows, now, yet again, families with sick children are disproportionately affected by situations out of their control.

"This time it is rapidly increasing living costs. These are parents who are in a living nightmare and the last thing they should have to worry about is bills. Many parents must give up their jobs to care for their sick child leaving them struggling to cope. Studies have highlighted that a family will need between €10,000 and €15,000 a year to cover various bills while their child is ill," said Brendan.

One of Cliona's fundraisers is the race day with organisers promising a fantastic day out for all attendees with two types of tickets available for the big day - a corporate ticket for four people or individual tickets.

TJ Ryan said “I am delighted to be able to support the incredible work of Cliona’s Foundation, I have seen first-hand the impact the financial help is to families caring for a seriously sick child. We are looking forward to a fantastic day out at Limerick Racecourse in May” 

The corporate ticket includes admission to the racecourse, a complimentary race card featuring the company name and logo and entry to win a magnificent overall prize. 

Both tickets include delicious food, followed by fantastic live music at the Greenmount Suite. The evening offers an opportunity to network with other businesses and time to relax with friends at your very own reserved seating following a fun packed summer’s day at the races.

Attendees will enjoy a tote and bar waiter service and, of course, a tipster. Everyone can avail of complimentary access to the balcony viewing area overlooking the racetrack. Doors open for the event at 4pm and the first race kicks off at approximately 5pm.

Monies raised will go to Cliona's life-changing good works.

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Brendan said so many of these families experienced, and continue to experience, the significant non-medical costs of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.

"The cost of living is crippling families who are already devastated by their child’s illness. We have to do all we can to help them. It has never been more urgent to work even harder for the forgotten families Cliona’s work with.

"Simply by supporting the race day and enjoying a fantastic day out at the races you are helping families who are in a real crisis, so I am encouraging everyone to join us May 23 for a special day out and extend a heartfelt corporate sponsors who helped make it all happen," said Brendan.

The top prize for the winning company is valued at €5,000 and includes sponsorship of a race at one of the race fixtures in 2024, private suite and hospitality for 30 people including a two course buffet lunch, tea/coffee amd much more. 

Cliona’s are delighted to partner with EI, DPack, CUBE, Genson Products, PAQ IT, Springfort Hall, REA Dooley Group and IMS as our main sponsors for the event.     

Cliona’s Foundation expects at least 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications.

Log onto clionas.ie for more information and to purchase tickets