A novel event in Oughterard has raised more than €20,000 for the Galway Hospice.
The inaugural Tug of War and fun event raised €20,408.21 in memory of the late Paddy Molloy from the village, and is now set to become an annual fixture on the town’s sporting and entertainment calendar.
The voluntary group, led by Peter Tierney, Mary Molloy and Johnny Smith, transformed Corribdale and the Oughterard Show Grounds into a fun-themed park for the entire day.
Teams of all age groups from across Connemara, Galway, the west of Ireland, and even the UK competed in the novel event which attracted visiting sports stars, including the legends of the Oughterard All Ireland Winning Intermediate team and Galway County team.
Although the event, in aid of Galway Hospice, was dedicated to local man Paddy Molloy, a memory tree for all those from the community who died from cancer was erected in their honour.
Mary Molloy of the organising committee says the Galway Hospice plays a huge role in the community.
“Unfortunately cancer affects every family at some stage, and we as a group of volunteers have been affected especially with the death of the late Paddy Molloy. The care and service provided by the Galway Hospice was of the utmost support. It was delivered in a professional, kind and dignified way which was such a help to the family.
“We wanted to give something back to Galway Hospice and rejuvenating traditional sports like the Oughterard Tug of War is our way of showing our appreciation personally and as a community here by Lough Corrib,” she says.
“The Oughterard Tug of War and Fun Day event committee trusts its donation will support the Galway Hospice team in their delivery of high quality palliative care services across Oughterard, Connemara and Galway, both in the Galway Hospice Unit in Renmore and in their community services.”
