Castletownsend to Skibbereen Walk
The annual Castletownsend to Skibbereen Walk took place on 28th February and it had the largest turn out since the event started nine years ago. It is estimated that 300 - 350 walkers from the community participated this year, and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon despite a heavy shower mid way through the walk.
All participants were treated to live music, tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes at Annie May's Pub on Bridge Street in Skibbereen after the event. We would like to thank the Hurley family, Dr. Mary O'Neill, Mary Deasy, Theresa, and all their family and friends for organising the event again this year. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Skibbereen and Castletownsend communities, and surrounding areas, for raising over €150,000 for cancer research to date.
'Irish Moods' - An Exhibition of Paintings by Gentian Lulanaj
Gentian Lulanaj studied art in Rome and Albania and moved to Ireland in 2000, where he opened a gallery on the grounds of Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry, Co. Cork. The gallery is open to the public and displays an array of work to suit all tastes. His work is primarily concerned with colour; the intense vibrancy of pigment that captures his deep innermost feeling of passion for his subject.
Gentian hosted an exhibition of his new paintings entitled ‘Irish Moods’ at his studio and gallery in December 2009, and 10% of the sale of all paintings from his exhibition opening night were donated to CCRC.
For further information on his work, please visit Gentian's website:
Boutique Art Christmas Show
The Boutique Art Christmas Show was held at the Maryborough House Hotel in Cork on Sunday, 8th November 2009 from 12pm to 6pm.
The event featured a select number of artists whose works vary from fashion, jewellery, bespoke furniture, ceramics to investment art, and it also included a new exhibition of Kenneth Webb oil on canvas paintings. Visitors were also treated to a landscape painting demonstration by Kenneth Webb during the day. The painting from this demonstration will be sold on completion and the proceeds will be donated to Cork Cancer Research Centre.
For further information on the artists that participated in the event and about the organisers, Claire and Pat Keegan, other events, please visit www.boutiqueartinvestment.com or www.soloarte.ie.
Festival of Flowers
St. Anne’s Castlemartyr Church & Community recently presented the “Festival of Flowers” and were blessed with beautiful autumnal days.
The event was a great success with nearly 1,000 visitors coming to the event over the weekend, and enjoying the music, the community spirit and the beautiful artistry on display.
A Harvest Thanksgiving Evening Service, featuring St. Joseph's Choir, closed the festival on Sunday evening at St. Anne's Church.
More information and photographs from the event will be soon be available here. Check back next week for more information.
Vintage Thrashing Festivals
A number of vintage thrashings took place in West Cork this Autumn, including the Bengour, Caheragh, Johnstown, and Arrigadeen thrashings..
We are extremely grateful to the Vintage Thrashing Committees for their continued support and for all their hard work over the last number of months. Once again they were blessed with wonderful weather and everyone who visited from far and wide enjoyed fun-filled afternoons with something for everyone in the family. Click here for past event photos.
Evening Echo Women's Mini Marathon
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who took part in the Evening Echo Women's Marathon on Sunday, 27th September to make a difference in the fight against cancer and raise funds for cancer research.
Click here to see some photos from the day!
The Eamonn Mac Memorial Cycle
19 cyclists cycled 100km from Dunmanway (West Cork) to Kilworth (North Cork) in the Eamonn Mac Memorial Cycle on Saturday, 26th September. The cyclists were warmly welcomed home at Chestnuthaven B&B by a large (and rightly proud) gathering of family, friends, neighbours and event visitors.
Eamonn’s life was tragically taken from his family four years ago on September 29th at an early age of 46, due to colon cancer. Having a wonderful family and enthusiastic friends, Eamonn’s family decided to do a cycle in his memory, from where he spent many a good year (Dunmanway) to the family home in Kilworth. They also organised this event to make a difference to the lives of people who are suffering from cancer.
In launch pic from left to right: Richard Quane, Amy Murphy, Carmel McLoughlin (hostess for afternoon tea) Shane McLoughlin and Aishling McLoughlin.
Baltimore Barbeque
Tom and Ann Kelly of Baltimore, Co. Cork held a barbecue on 22nd August 2009, where they raised €2,320 in aid of Cork Cancer Research Centre.
Although it was wet and windy on the night, approximately 45 people turned up for barbecued prawns, a full lamb, steaks etc. Along with a glass of wine of course. Tom and Ann would like to thank the suppliers who donated the food but most of all, the people who attended the event and gave so generously.
A Summer’s Evening on the Quad, UCC
UCC Security & Community Policing, Barrack Street presented ‘A Summer’s Evening on the Quad’ featuring Rebecca Storm and Seraphim. on Friday, 31st July. Supported by the excellent Band of An Garda Siochana, with Musical Director David Munro, the show was a fantastic success despite the inclement weather during the day. With five minutes to go before the show opened, the rain stopped and the skies cleared, adding to the wonderful atmosphere and the beautiful setting.
All proceeds from this event will go to Cork Cancer Research Centre and St Laurence Cheshire Home.
Sonia Runs for CCRC at Cork City Marathon
As part of a competition on 96FM one lucky relay team in the recent Cork City Marathon had the good fortune to be joined by local running hero Sonia O’Sullivan (Olympic silver medal and World Champion). The relay team named “Norfolk n Good”, with runners Aiden Myers, Lisa Horgan, Avril Hurley, Eoghan O’Donoghue and Sonia O’Sullivan, took to the course for Cork Cancer Research Centre. Finishing with a time of 3 hours 57 minutes and 24 seconds all the training paid off for the team when Sonia (running the final anchor leg) crossed the finish line on glorious day in Cork City.
All with very personal reasons for supporting cancer research, the runners felt the third Cork City Marathon was an ideal challenge to show their support for cancer research. “The only way we can change the treatments available for future cancer patients is through research. We have heard about the work of the Centre and have met the Founder and Centre Director, Prof. Gerry O’Sullivan, and are confident the work they are doing is having real impact” said relay team runner Aidan Myers.
Speaking about the efforts of the marathon runners for Cork Cancer Research Centre, Prof. O’Sullivan commented, “We don’t have any guaranteed source of annual funding and therefore we are extremely reliant and grateful for the voluntary fundraising efforts made by the public and their participation in events such as the Cork City marathon. The momentum provided by such commitment provides the drive for breakthroughs to be made and for the advancement in cancer treatments for all cancer patients. Cork Cancer Research Centre would like to thank all the runners, the supporters and Sonia for their tremendous effort to complete a challenging event while raising vital funds for cancer research.”
Carnivale
Carnivale, a night of Latin American entertainment, recently took place at The Pavilion to raise much needed funds to keep our essential research going. Hosted by Cork's flamboyant drag performer Lady Marmalade, Carnivale brought together vibrant music and dance from a variety of South American cultures. The night started with a salsa demonstration by Dance Till You Drop, followed by live music by Manu and his Latino House band. Afterwards, Red FM's Stevie G kept it hot by mixing a set of Latino music flavours in a hip-hop style. The atmosphere of the night was enhanced by the audience who were dressed to impress in beads, masks and feathers.
Our sincere thanks to the event organisers Jean Martin, Soraya San Jose and Claire Slattery for presenting such a vibrant and fun night.
Candlelight Recital at North Cathedral
St. Colman's Cathedral Chamber Choir (performing under the direction of Mr Dominic Finn and accompanied by the Cantilena String Quartet) presented "A Candlelight Recital of Sacred Music" at the North Cathedral in Cork on 28th February.
The audience was treated to an emotive and uplifting perfomance, which featured pieces from Tom Kendzia, Liam Lawton and Ehprem Feeley.
Congratulations again to Dominic Finn, St. Colman's Cathedral Chamber Choir and the Cantilena Quartet for such a wonderful evening.














