Limerick farmer and local GAA club pitch in for Milford and Crumlin

ST KIERAN’S GAA club will be raising money for charity in West Limerick and North Tipperary on Tuesday, December 27.

Ardagh farmer Richard Collins has donated a Belgian Blue in calf heifer, Gracie Blue, to the club’s charity road hurling fund. She will be auctioned for charity at a special suckler sale at Newport Mart this coming Tuesday, December 27.

It is traditionally the only mart in the country that has a sale in the week after Christmas.

The Collins family are donating the proceeds to Milford in recognition of the care that the late Maura Collins received in Milford and at her home through the Palliative care team.

St Kieran’s will also be holding their charity road hurling event that Tuesday. Proceeds from the sale of Gracie Blue and the road hurling will go to Milford Care Centre and Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

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Chairman of St Kieran’s GAA Club, David Woulfe said they are absolutely delighted that Richard and Michelle have offered the sale of the heifer to add to their charity road hurling fund.

“It’s an extremely generous thing to do. I’m fully aware of how much Milford Care Centre, its magnificent staff and the palliative home care team mean to the Collins family and indeed to everyone who comes into contact with these people. Unfortunately, I’d say almost every family has had first hand experience of the wonderful work the Milford care team do, so that’s why we include them every year as one of road hurling’s beneficiaries,” said Mr Woulfe.

They included the children’s hospital in Crumlin this year in recognition of the fabulous care they took of local boy Jack King and his family recently following a tragic accident.

“The King family are great supporters of St Kieran’s and we’re very happy to help in this small way. Our charity road hurling is going from strength to strength and has raised over €30,000 over the past 10 years.

“It has become a great community day with many people just coming along to walk the 4km route with those taking part. Many from other GAA clubs and local communities also come along to support us. Local families have tables along the route with sweets and refreshments for those taking part which is a lovely aspect to the day. There’s always a raffle in Neary's bar after the final participants complete the circuit and this year, for the first time, we’re hoping to have an auction too,” said Mr Woulfe.

But they will let James Lee in Newport Mart look after the auction of Gracie Blue!