 Clodagh Bastow and Ian Walker with the cheque for  7,000(photo: Brian Turvey) |
| � Dave Cullen's now annual Christmas Charity lunch on Friday 7th December was yet again another huge success with a huge attendance. 7,000 was raised in aid of the Bobbie Bastow Trust for cancer research.
Tommy Bracken and Dr David Gallagher from the Mater Hospital outlined the work being carried out by the Trust and it was encouraging to hear of the progress being made in this field. After a fine lunch, guest of honour, Ian Walker took to the floor. Ian is a double Olympic silver medallist, Americas Cup skipper and most recently skippered Green Dragon and Abu Dhabi in the last two Volvo Ocean Races. Ian's account of managing the Abu Dhabi project from start to finish and description of the inhumane conditions enthralled all present and we owe him a huge vote of thanks for coming over at his own expense. Ian commented that HYC was one of the top three yacht clubs he had ever been in (the others being the Royal Corinthian in Cowes and The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club) and was delighted to be a member of Howth Yacht Club. Comedian Eric Lalor had the crowd in tears with his fantastic brand of humour to bring the day to a close only to finish with a raffle where a huge array of prizes were distributed. Particular thanks to Kanoodle, PR Reilly, Aqua Restaurant, Euro Car Parks, King Sitric and Wright Venue for providing raffle prizes. Put December 6th in your diary for next year which will be in aid of St Francis Hospice in Raheny. |