The Heart of the GAA is its people and with that in mind giving back to Charities is never far from all Clubs the length and breadth of Ireland. 

Rasharkin GAC is no exception, with a recent weekends proceeds being raised for The Cancer Centre in Belfast City Hospital as thanks for the work they do helping people at such a critical time in their lives. 

Club Chairperson Thomas Doherty tells us “Quiz nights are one of the many events we do to give back and have been an enjoyable annual tradition with the Club for many years, raising much needed money for different Charities. A pause on these nights was needed due to guidelines around Covid. We are glad to be back able to bring the community together, a fun family friendly enjoyable night to raise money. One of our Esteemed Committee members, Eneas Boyle who recently finished treatment at the Centre approached the meeting with a vision of Giving back to a Charity which has helped many of our members. We were only too glad to get behind him and organise a weekend of activities. It was also a great excuse to invite other clubs to our grounds to share a fun day for all to enjoy.”

The Club in North Antrim, had their Quiz in the Parish Centre on a Friday 27th September hosted by Quizmasters Terry McCann and Danny McLernon and Sunday 29th a Fun Day with matches from Morning to late Afternoon from visiting clubs in all Juvenile ages in Football, Hurling and Camogie with inflatables and games for all the children to enjoy.

Eneas Boyle stated “I saw at first hand the work the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Cancer Centre do for everyone who needs it and really wanted to put my time and effort in to giving back as I know from my time getting treatment there the money is much needed and its all for making Patients time there comfortable and with Cancer, no one knows when they like me get a diagnosis. The Club and the Community got behind us. I’m a member of my home club of Rasharkin but I have lived my married life in Randalstown with my wife and family, but Rasharkin Gac is still within every fibre of my being.

I am eternally grateful they got behind me and also to the people and businesses in Randalstown and Rasharkin for their support, also to all the visiting clubs and businesses who generously donated. A special Note of thanks to winning Quiz Team Broken Wing for donating the Prize money back to the Cause.

 I was delighted that a few weeks after my last treatment I was able to visit the Cancer Centre to hand over a cheque for £4100 which meant the world to me. An incredible amount of money which will do a lot for the patients. The Staff literally are lifesavers.”