By Brendan McTaggart

Friday evening in Dunloy Parish Centre, the crowds packed in with the promise of an evening full of craic and banter.  It’s fair to say they delivered.

A fundraiser organised spearheaded by Neil McManus, culminated in an ‘Up for the Match’ style chat hosted by BBC’s Thomas Niblock where he had the expert views of Neil himself, Conal Cunning and two time All-Ireland winning player, two time All Star and two time National League winner, John Conlon.

The panel gave their views on the year that’s been and the final itself and how they see the game transpiring.

The evening itself kicked off with Thomas interviewing Fr PJ McCamphill and asking what made the now retired missioner begin the Nursery at his Parish in Kenya 20 years ago.  In what is a truly inspiring story borne from tragic circumstances but ultimately sees the school thriving through the hard work and goodwill of those connected in memory of one of Dunloy’s favourite sons, Frankie McMullan.

Frankie’s daughters Orla and Eimear were both interviewed and gave their thoughts and feelings on the school made in their dad’s memory, the work that goes on and their hopes for the future.  An inspiring tale to see such positivity and another example of the good that comes from a close-knit community.

McManus arranged to have a raffle for two of the hottest tickets in the country up for grabs – Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final and entry to the Gaelic Players Association Legends Lunch, also on Sunday.

Congratulations to Dunloy’s Stephen O’Boyle who was the lucky name to have been pulled from the hat.

In a brilliant evening where even the threat of a power outage couldn’t derail the fundraiser.  Almost as if someone was looking down on the Parish Hall in the north Antrim village to ensure it went as smoothly as possible.

Comhghairdeas libh go léir on what was a terrific fundraiser as Frankie’s Nursery goes from strength to strength.

TO SEE BRENDAN’S PICS FROM THIS EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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