Sinead Maher and Bronagh Beglan.

Fantastic support for Jason McKeon fundraising concert

A hugely successful fundraising concert took place in Clarke’s Platform 5 bar recently in support of a young Ballynacargy Gaelic footballer who has been diagnosed with Leukemia.

There was fantastic support for the fundraiser with a crowd of 300 people present in the popular music venue.

Jason McKeon is 21 years old and has starred at midfield for Ballynacargy at intermediate level in recent years. He has served many more years in the various underage grades with the club and all in the club were keen to show their support for the talented footballer as he endures his treatment programme.

Entertainment was provided by Luke Price music on the night and with Luke being a playing colleague of Jason’s, there was a strong GAA link to the evening. The community of Ballynacargy was out in force for the event and there was a terrific response from the GAA community across Westmeath, with many other clubs showing their support. All enjoyed a terrific night’s entertainment.

Ballynacargy GAA Club chairman, Aidan Lyons, thanked everyone who turned out to show their support. "Jason McKeon, a 21-year-old man from Ballynacargy, was diagnosed with leukemia last November. He’s a very popular member of the local community and plays midfield for the junior team; his popularity is evident from the tremendous support that all of the fundraising events have received in the last few weeks. And the manner in which Jason has been dealing with his diagnosis has been truly inspirational. His bravery and his courage has been remarkable; he hasn't been feeling sorry for himself one bit. He's really getting on with it. He had a tremendous attitude towards his treatment and he's just a great young man," he said.

"This is reflected in the huge support for the different events we held. Luke Price led this concert and he put in a brilliant performance; he really did get the crowd going and had the venue hopping until late in the night.

“And we're just very thankful and grateful that we could have Luke there on Saturday night. He gave up his time with no charge. Actually Luke came on board and volunteered to perform, and he wanted to get involved and support Jason in some way. The idea of the concert started with Luke and that shows the support from the players.

"We want to thank Kieran Clarke and his team at Clarke's Bar who were absolutely brilliant. They went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that the event was a success and to help with the planning of the event."

A major raffle took place on the night and the first prize, a 32” TV sponsored by Paul Cahill Aerials, plus 1 ticket for the Win A Home In Spain with Westmeath GAA draw sponsored by Ballynacargy GAA, was won by Shane McKeon.

There were a number of other prizes on the night, including: a DeWalt Power drill, Super Size Skippy Bag and €100 Voucher donated by CL Tool Hire & Sales. A €60 voucher donated by MACE & Supermac’s, Ballinalack and one ticket for Westmeath GAA’s Win A Home in Spain draw, sponsored by Ballynacargy GAA.

A voucher for full car valet sponsored by Darren Wallace mobile valeting, a boxed bottle of whiskey donated by Jason Wallace and a “2 Johnnies” hurling jersey donated by KC Sports. A large assorted hamper with prizes donated by Tullamore Dew, Michelle Price-Connolly, Elaine Keena and Linda Price and a “2 Johnnies” hurling jersey donated by KC Sports.

A €50 voucher donated by Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar, a Gift Set donated by Rachel Penrose and a voucher for beauty treatments donated by Lorraine Cleary Gammell.

A €50 voucher for Halligan’s Shop, Ballynacargy donated by Charlie and Anne Halligan and a hamper donated by Tom and Maureen Price.

A €50 voucher donated by Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar, a hamper donated by Lisa Jane Price and a gift bag donated by Tullamore Dew.

A €50 voucher donated by Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar, a Boxed bottle of Hennessy Brandy donated by Coloe Auto Repair, Ballynacargy (Gordon Coloe) and a gift bag donated by Tullamore Dew.

A €50 voucher donated by Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar and a hoody top and football gloves donated by KC Sports.

The GoFundMe page has been set up and will remain open until January 31.