Castlemaine Events Committee members are very pleased to announce that the money raised from the Castlemaine Fair Day in memory of John O’Donoghue amounted to €15,859,69.
The revival of the Castlemaine Fair Day started in 2021 in John’s memory and to date over the three years, the charity event has raised a combined total of €75,541.46 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
The fair, which was held in October in its now usual location in Griffin’s Car Park, Castlemaine, was a terrific success with the good weather drawing people from near and far.
All the Fun of the Fair
There was plenty of family entertainment on the day outside of the fair itself including an auction, amusements, stalls and live music amongst others.
On Friday evening last, November 17th in Griffin’s Bar and Restaurant Castlemaine, the proceeds of the 2023 Fair Day were unveiled and presented to Kerry Hospice Foundation by family members, close friends and the Castlemaine Events Committee to the very deserving Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Kerry Hospice provided exemplary care and support to John and his family following a shock diagnosis of terminal bowel cancer in May 2019.
In the Heart of Castlemaine
John O’Donoghue was known all over resided in the heart of Castlemaine Village. He was born on January 21st, 1965 which, ironically, happened to coincide with a staging of the old Castlemaine Fair Day.
“It felt appropriate to mark John’s lifetime love of attending fairs and being an integral part of the farming community by bringing back the old fair day in his honour and with it celebrate old traditions, customs and beliefs in the locality,” said committee PRO Dara O’Connor.
Proceeds to the Kerry Hospice
“Castlemaine Events Committee members were delighted to be able to assist in the organisation of the event and the presentation of the proceeds to the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
“The committee wishes to sincerely thank the members public for their generosity in supporting the event in John’s memory. Special mention also to everyone who helped in any way towards the safe running of the event.
An Abundance of Community Spirit
“There are too many to name but without a doubt the community spirit was there to be seen in abundance in preparing for the fair and for the clean-up operation after.
“Castlemaine Events Committee members are so very grateful for all the efforts involved,” said Dara.
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