Midlands event featuring Robbie Henshaw raises €50,000 for children's cancer charity
More than 600 people attended a childhood cancer charity night featuring five Irish rugby internationals in Tullamore last Friday evening.
The successful event - "Beyond The Try - An Evening With Irish Rugby Legends" - raised €50,000 for Cancer Fund for Children in order to help support the completion of the Daisy Lodge therapeutic centre in Cong, Mayo.
Top talent from the world of Irish rugby; Athlone's Robbie Henshaw,Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, James Ryan, and Garry Ringrose took to the stage to share stories and insights from their careers with Ireland, Leinster and the British and Irish Lions.
Hosted by former Ireland and Leinster player Bernard Jackman, the evening combined rugby, music, entertainment and fundraising, creating a fantastic atmosphere for the packed audience.
The five rugby stars gave guests a unique insight into life at the highest level of the game, reflecting on the highs, lows, challenges and memorable moments of their careers.
Following the rugby panel, guests were treated to a special musical performance, with Robbie Henshaw and members of his family providing traditional Irish music and adding a uniquely Irish touch to the evening.
An engaging question-and-answer session also gave the audience the opportunity to put their own questions to the players, resulting in plenty of laughs, interesting stories, and a fascinating look behind the scenes of professional rugby.
The event also marked an important milestone in a fundraising journey for organiser Nigel Reams, of Offaly's Lumcloon Energy, who has committed to taking part in Rory Best’s 'Miles to Mayo' challenge.
Following a longstanding relationship with Cancer Fund for Children, a passing conversation about Nigel’s love of hillwalking ultimately led to the challenge of walking nine marathons in nine days, starting in Derry and finishing at Daisy Lodge in Cong.
The 'Miles to Mayo' challenge will begin on September 12, with more than 20 people taking part, each committing to raise €50,000 for the charity.
Daisy Lodge is a therapeutic centre providing short breaks and specialist support for children and families living with cancer. Overlooking the scenic shores of Lough Corrib, the centre aims to provide families with a place of peace, support and respite at an incredibly difficult time.
Speaking about the event, Nigel Reams said: "The success of 'Beyond The Try' belongs to everyone who came through the doors, bought a ticket, donated, sponsored the event, gave a prize or gave their time.
"We are incredibly grateful to every single person who has supported us. Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Bernard Jackman were outstanding, they were so generous with their time and really made the evening such a memorable occasion."
The evening got off to a lively start with Druher, who provided live music and helped raise the energy in the room as guests arrived.
The raffle also proved hugely popular, with prizes including tickets for Ireland’s games against Fiji, South Africa, Argentina and England, alongside a host of other prizes.
A signed rugby jersey also went under the hammer, raising an impressive €1,200, with Ivan O’Sullivan placing the winning bid.
Nigel Reams paid tribute to the many people who helped make Beyond The Try possible, including the five rugby stars, MC Bernard Jackman, Druher, photographer James Crombie, sponsors, volunteers and the team at the Tullamore Court Hotel.
Special thanks were extended to Áine and Jack Reams, who organised the event. Further thanks were given to Stacked, who provided the audio-visual equipment, Paddy Galvin and Tullamore Rugby Club, and the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the evening ran smoothly.
To support Nigel’s 'Miles to Mayo' fundraising campaign, donations can be made here.