Auction seeks to raise funds for vital cancer research project

A massive auction of dream trips abroad, luxury breaks, sports tickets, art, and antiques could help fund the extension of a vital cancer research project at Cork University Hospital.

Organiser’s of the annual fundraiser at Mary Ann’s Bar in Castletownshend in West Cork are hoping to raise in excess of €50,000, with 57 lots generating plenty of interest.

Local celebrities such as Jeremy Irons and David Puttnam have been scouting the catalogue, but co-owner and organiser Fergus O’Mahony said: “Anyone that comes in and buys is a celebrity to me.”

Mr O’Mahony himself was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma last year but doctors are happy with his progress. He and his wife Patricia have raised hundreds of thousands for a range of charities through the annual auction at their bar, which is also a well-known restaurant and gallery.

However, this cause is particularly close to their hearts. “If it saves one life, then it’s worth it,” Mr O’Mahony said.

Two William Crozier paintings are attracting the most attention, but with accommodation in exotic locations such as Thailand, Portugal, and Switzerland up for grabs it’s likely to be a lively evening.

A party of 10 can enjoy afternoon tea and a tour at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, where Bishop Paul Colton will act as personal guide.

Golf at the Fota Island resort, a €250 voucher for fresh fish, or a €250 voucher for a bike, green fees, and weekend breaks all feature.

A specialist rugby lot includes Six Nations 2013 tickets and two tickets to the All-Ireland hurling final are also up for grabs.

A tour of Coolmore Stud for six is on the bill, but bidders are likely to dig deep to buy a nomination to a stallion at Coolmore, donated by John Magnier’s adviser Paul Shanahan.

Art works by Mat Grogan, Aidan Bradley, and Matt Lamb will also feature. All monies raised will be donated to fund continued work at the Haematology and Research Trust at CUH.

“I know that there is a specialist research doctor currently in place, but with the funds now available, it is just for one year,” Mr O’Mahony said. “My doctors would sincerely hope to keep that research going indefinitely and it is to that end we hope to fund another year’s research.”

Together with Patricia, he has built the business after taking over the premises in 1988. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Warren Gallery above the bar.

The action kicks off at 9pm tomorrow.