OVER 70 people gathered in the Powerscourt Arms Hotel, Enniskerry, recently for the Charity Awards from the 2017 Kilmacanogue and District Horse Show. Run entirely by volunteers, the show raised the wonderful sum of €7,500 for local charities.

Representatives from all the local charities were present to accept awards. Also in attendance were many of the volunteers who worked so hard for the 2017 show including the judges and local business sponsors.

Many horse, sheep-and dog-lovers were among the attendees and somehow this mix of people-carers and animal-carers, created a very special atmosphere!

Show chair Georgina Masterson welcomed everyone to the happy occasion.

As each cheque was presented, the various charity representatives spoke of the work they do and gave an insight into what a fixture such as July 22nd July 2017 (Horse Show day) can do for the local community:

Veronica O’Leary from Purple House Cancer Support (Bray) accepted a donation of €1,500. “This will do wonders for our cancer-support drop-in centre which provides services for many families in the local area.”

John Whelan and Michael Dwyer of the Irish Kidney Association accepted a donation of €1,000 saying “This supports our work enabling people with kidney disease live normal lives – next year marks our 40th anniversary. We’re very grateful to the longstanding support from Kilmacanogue Horse Show.”

Kevin Dempsey accepted a donation of €1,000 for Spinal Injuries Ireland saying, “This is a huge help for our work helping over 1800 people with life-changing injuries bridge the gap between hospital rehab and settling into life again. Kilmacanogue Horse Show helps rebuild lives as this funding goes to assisting people overcome the challenges of simple daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping etc.”

Barbara Davis accepted a donation of €800 for Charabanc. She explained that a Charabanc was a horse-drawn carriage marking the fact that the charity was set up in 1999 to support the social needs of older adults living locally. “We’re delighted as this donation helps us provide many outings and hall activities for older people.”

Mary O’Brien accepted a donation of €800 for the Kilmacanogue Senior Citizens saying, “this support us to help so many local people enjoy life in the area despite becoming older and frailer. The outings mean so much and bring so much joy.” Mary is also the person who, along with three friends, provided all the food and beverages for the volunteers.

Alison Bishop accepted a donation of €800 for Newcourt Special School, which provides a safe, happy environment for students with learning difficulties. “Thank you for always remembering our school over the years and helping us fund many activities so our schoolchildren can reach their full potential.”

Mark McKenna was delighted to accept a donation of €500 for Wicklow Hospice. “We support many families in the area and this, along with other support, makes me hope the ‘sod will soon be turned’ for the Wicklow Hospice building.”

Judy O’Toole accepted a donation of €500 for the Kilmacanogue GAA who helped steward crowds at the show for health and safety. “This donation will help us in building our new clubhouse,” she told the gathering.

Patricia Grogan accepted a donation of €500 on behalf of the local RDAI group saying, “our instructors and volunteers provide weekly riding lessons for children with special needs. The support from Kilmacanogue Horse Show helps us broaden the physical, intellectual and social horizons of children with special needs.”

Edwina Allman accepted a donation of €200 on behalf of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust explaining “the IHWT is a horse welfare charity that runs many vital programmes, including racehorse rescue.”

Mary Flynn accepted a donation of €200 on behalf of the County Wicklow Volunteer Centre saying “the Centre provided volunteers to help us set up the showgrounds this year. This donation helps the centre provide volunteer support to a wide range of local charities – including many here tonight.”

Those who received special thanks for their hard work included landowners Mary and Syl Fenelon-Burke who generously permit the show to take place on their land; Pat, who was accompanied by his wife Ailish, and Martin King who drive in all the ring posts; Patricia Grogan, who judges the youngest riders all day long in the obedient pony competitions, and Kim McCann overcame the challenge of being in a cast for a fractured foot to do trojan work for the 2017 Kilmacanogue and District Horse Show.