THE Rickie Healy Appeal was given a great boost last Friday evening when Kanturk Mart was the venue for the hugely succesful ‘Rearing For Rickie’ event which witnessed 68 calves, weanlings and older animals, all donated, reared or sponsored by local farmers and businesses, raise close to €80,000 for the worthwhile appeal.

Corkman Rickie Healy is originally from Ballyclough, but had taken the role of whipper-in with the famous Galway Blazers last May. Unfortunately, Rickie suffered very severe spinal injuries in a swimming pool accident while on holidays in Spain last July. He is currently undergoing treatment in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

Rearing For Rickie greatly exceeded its target of €60,000, according to chief organiser Caroline O’Connell who told The Irish Field that between €70,000-€80,000 was raised on the night. Organisers are delighted with the success, generosity and support the event received.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, was also on hand to support his fellow Corkman and even took part in the event, selling two pedigree Limousin heifers, sponsored by Rickie’s uncles Ted, Ger and Eddie Healy, for €1,500 and €1,750.

The evening continued with great entertainment provided by talented trad band Liam O’Connor and Family, who had the whole auction room on their feet singing and dancing!

The last part of the fundraiser witnessed the sheer generosity and support for Rickie when donated prizes included a framed pair of racing breeches signed by 15 of the best flat jockeys in the world, which sold for €360, two Ed Sheeran concert tickets, knocked down for €470, a morning on the gallops with Henry de Bromhead which made for €500 and a framed Irish rugby jersey signed by the newly titled Grand Slam-winning team, which raised a whopping €2,120!

Writing on The Rickie Healy Appeal Facebook page afterward, O’Connell said: “We had an absolutely fantastic night, Liam O’Connor kept us entertained and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed even tried his hand at some auctioneering. The generosity was overwhelming and we hope you all enjoyed the night!”

This is however only a drop in the ocean in terms of Rickie’s medical expenses. If you would like to donate further, please contact Caroline O’Connell on 086-1916117 or check out the Facebook and Twitter account ‘The Rickie Healy Appeal’.