Pictures: It's the Last Supper as funds distributed from Castlecomer Wellie Race

Local groups celebrated the distribution of funds from this year's Castlecomer Wellie Race recently, with chairman Michael ‘Macha’ Brennan welcoming all to the traditional Last Supper event.

Shortall’s Lounge was the venue for event, which supported 22 charities and local schools. The chairman thanked all who made the day the outstanding success it was. He noted how uplifting it was to return to near normal on New Year’s Day.

Treasurer Enda Healy was delighted to inform all that the day realised an impressive sum of €25,500 which enabled a whopping €15,850 to be distributed.

The past number of years have been difficult for charities as regards fundraising. This point was well made by each recipient who were all very gracious to the Race Committee. An enjoyable night was had by all, thanks to Knots Down & Friends for the music and Michael Shortall for the appetising hot food.

Attending her first presentation, Rev. Edna Wakely, Rector Castlecomer Union of Parishes was very impressed.
“Not having attended one of the Wellie Race meetings before, I enjoyed it very much,” she said, “not least all the good-humoured banter, the hot food and the live music.

“My profound gratitude for the €500 cheque for the Castlecomer Union of Parishes,” she continued. “With the ever-increasing costs of running a parish, this donation is very gratefully received and will make a big difference.

“I must congratulate the Wellie Race Committee for all their hard work and careful planning and preparations throughout the year. Success like raising €25,500 doesn’t come without dedicated effort by many people. For a small community to raise so much money - and all for philanthropic work - is highly commendable. Thank you one and all. Keep up the excellent and much appreciated work that benefits a huge array of worthy causes.”

As with almost every occasion that the Powley Brigade meets there is always a surprise or two in store and Friday night didn’t disappoint. Mark Rothwell and his sister Anne Rothwell made a presentation to the three longest serving committee men on the Wellie Race. Specially commissioned glass wellies were presented to Michael ‘Macha’ Brennan, Seamie Walsh and Paddy Phelan. The governor was quick off the mark to test the capacity of the glasses - to no one’s surprise they took exactly a full pint!

The beneficiaries were: €1,000 - SOS Castlecomer, Friends of Castlecomer District Hospital, Castlecomer Social Services, St Vincent de Paul.
€800 - Family Carers Ireland, Cois Nore, School of the Holy Spirit, St Patrick’s Centre & School, North Kilkenny Wheelchair Association, O’Gorman Home, Ballyragget.
€500 - Ballyragget/ Ballyouskill Lourdes Fund, Castlecomer Parish, Clogh Parish, Coon/Muckalee Parish, Conahy Parish, Castlecomer Union of Parishes, Carlow-Kilkenny Home Care Team, Workhouse Graveyard.
€400 - Coon Community Senior Citizens, Deerpark Shrine, Fr Doheny Shrine, Firoda.
€300 - Searlait Tywang Memorial Fund.
€200 - Castlecomer Basketball Club, Wandesforde NS, Clogh NS.
€150 - Moneenroe NS.
€100 - Boys’ NS, Presentation Convent NS.