Charity Night in memory of Arlene Donnelly for Newry Hospice

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Traditionally the 31^st of October is a night when people dress up, go trick or treatin, light fireworks and watch bonfires. Well one group of Orange followers have thrown caution to the wind by breaking away from such traditions. In the small rural parish of Ballymacnab in Armagh the only thing that will be going bump in the night will be the dropping of coins into a Newry Hospice bucket. Two Camogs Paula Mc Guigan & Una Kearney have arranged a charity night with ALL proceeds going to Newry Hospice in Ballymacnab Hall in memory of their friend Arlene Donnelly.

Arlene was just 31 years old when she lost her battle to cancer in the middle of August this year. A member of St. Brenda’s Ballymacnab Camogie club, Arlene served many roles within the club all with honour. As a former committee member Arlene was first to volunteer, no job was too small or too big. Arlene was the goalkeeper of the senior Camogie team for over a decade, a position she truly made her own. Her coolness and her great reading of the game ensured that the Nab’s defence were always kept in order. Arlene won three senior championships in the 1990s and an Ulster Club Shield title in 2006. Her eyecatching net-minding displays were also rewarded when she was called onto the Armagh team, where she played for several years with distinction. Arlene also donned the Ulster jersey in the Inter-provincial competition.

 Arlene spent many an evening on the pitches in the Nab, passing on her valuable knowledge of the game where she trained and managed various underage teams to a number of county titles in league and championship campaigns. She was also part of the management team that brought the first All-Ireland Feile title to Ballymacnab in 2001. Despite her illness Arlene continued to support and encourage not only the Nab’s Camogs but also the county team both on and off the field of play.

During her thirteen month battle with Cancer Arlene’s attitude was personified as dignified and inspirational to all. As a patient of Newry Hospice on a number of occasions Arlene was very fortunate to have experienced excellent care and loving attention in the hands of the Hospice staff. Her family and friends were always made welcomed so much so it was like a second home.

Newry Hospice relies on public fundraising and private donations to raise approximately 3million pound a year in order to provide this much needed, necessary care and support that they give to all their patients and their families.

Due to the fantastic care and support that Arlene, her family and friends received in Newry Hospice, we are trying to raise funds so this care may benefit others in their time of need. Although some of you may have never had the privilege of knowing Arlene, unfortunately we all know someone personally whether in our family or in our community who has availed of the wonderful services that are provided by hospices throughout N. Ireland.

An auction and a raffle packed with great prizes, such as a weekend break, golf break, All-Ireland Football Tickets 2010 with an overnight stay, signed jerseys, etc… will be held on the night with a special musical performance by Philly Gribben. Tickets cost ú10 each. So if you don’t fancy a night hugging your cushion why not come along for a great nights craic and support a wonderful cause.

To obtain tickets please contact:                                                                                              

Paula Mc Guigan  Phone: 07776411319   

or

Una Kearney        Phone: 07787125127  

Tickets can also be bought at the door.

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