Livestock auction helps raise €120k for cancer centre

A livestock auction to raise funds for a cancer support and drop-in centre in Co Cork has helped raise over €120,000.

The vast majority of the money was raised through the auction with an additional sum attributed to spin-offs from the event.

The farmers’ committee behind the auction presented the cheque to the Youghal Cancer Support Group, at a presentation night in the Walter Raleigh Hotel.

A delighted committee chairman Anthony O’Driscoll said the money raised “totally surpassed all expectations”.

The auction was held at Dungarvan’s Cork Mart on Feb 25.

Farmers from across Munster and neighbouring counties donated more than 140 animals.

Ryan Tubridy, RTÉ Afternoon Show presenter Maura Derrane, and journalist Brenda O’Donoghue, along with comedians Jon Kenny and Tony Coffey, participated in auctioning off the livestock. The central attraction was ‘Tubridy’ the calf, a black and white Hereford heifer auctioned by The Late Late Show host.

The calf was acquired by Irish rugby legend John ‘the Bull’ Hayes on behalf of Dublin’s Fire Restaurant and its suppliers Irish Hereford Prime for €5,500.

The Youghal Cancer Support Group began fundraising more than two-and-a-half years ago.

The proposed facility will assist those affected directly and indirectly by cancer and to alleviate the stress of travelling to distant urban centres for support and information.

The group, with HSE backing confirmed, intends to provide qualified counselling along with a holistic approach through massage, meditation, yoga, and alternative therapies to operate in conjunction with prescribed medical treatments. “Treatment practitioners from the area have already offered voluntary assistance once we commence,” said YCSG founder Therése O’Connell.

The group is examining several buildings in which to locate the centre and expects to make a decision “in the coming months”, says Ms O’Connell.

Local tradespeople and building experts have offered their services in converting the property and more are invited to help.

Any fundraising initiatives are also welcome.

* Contact 024-92353; 087-2731121; Further details and updates on Facebook.