A day like Saturday doesn’t happen without a huge amount of work behind the scenes, and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.
A special mention to Malachy McKenna and Paul Kernan, who put in a marathon shift on Friday getting O’Connell Park ready, with great help from Vincy, JK, Anthony, Pearse, Dan, Pat and Damien. The grounds looked fantastic and your hard work was greatly appreciated.
Thank you to Fiona, Catherine, Emma and Sharlene for organising the day and making sure everything — and everyone — was in the right place at the right time! Thanks also to Aoife, Dana, Maria, Mari, Noleen, Roisin, Aine, Fergal, Sheelagh, Kevin, Alisha, Justin, Mary, Anna, Patricia and Mark for all their help throughout the day.
👏 To our stewards who kept the traffic moving safely
🍔 To our chefs Kerry, Catherine and Rachel, and everyone who helped with the BBQ
☕ To everyone who ran the shop and coffee station
🏐 To Rónán for coordinating the games and competitions
🎨 To Fiona, Carla and all the helpers who made the Colour Run such great fun
🎨 To the girls doing the face painting
💪 To Patrick Kernan for the lend of the tug-of-war rope and for providing the trophy, and to Patsy McKeown and Leo Collins for helping with the competition
🐐 To Phil’s Farm — a huge hit with young and old alike!
A huge thank you also to Hugh and ABP Food Group for sponsoring the burgers, and Paula and Orange Box Foods & Outside Catering for sponsoring the sausages and baps. And to The Bottle of Benburb for the lend of their hot plate. Your generosity and continued support is very much appreciated.
🎶 Thanks to Liam Lappin Music and Broken Strings musician's band for providing the entertainment and adding to a brilliant atmosphere throughout the evening.
We are also very grateful to Tullysaran Community Association for the use of the hall and for their continued support.
And of course, thank you to everyone who took part in the games, races and competitions, and to everyone who came along to welcome our cyclists home and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere. Photos to follow!
When the celebrations were over, there was still plenty of work to be done! Thank you to everyone who stayed behind or came back to help with the big tidy-up, and another special thanks to Patsy for sorting all the recycling on Monday.
There were so many hands helping before, during and after the day, and every single contribution made a difference. If we have missed anyone by name, please know that your help was no less appreciated.
It really was a fantastic community effort and a day to remember.