Solidarity on show at GAA for Gaza event
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Ronan Ginnell, Orla Ginnell and Arbh Smith finishing the assault course. Thomas GibbonsImage 2 of 16
Ty Masterson, Paul Keating and Adam Buckley on the assault course. Thomas GibbonsImage 3 of 16
John and Ben Shaw at Mullingar Shamrocks. Thomas GibbonsImage 4 of 16
Garda Martina Walsh with Becca and Orla McKenna from the Order of Malta. Thomas GibbonsImage 5 of 16
Michelle Gavigan, David Cribben and Jacquie Corroon on Saturday afternoon. Thomas GibbonsImage 6 of 16
Bernie Nally, Emma Coyne and Aidan Coyne from Mullingar, make it through the nets. Thomas GibbonsImage 7 of 16
Sara Hannify, Alexa Gavigan and Florence Gelon at the family day. Thomas GibbonsImage 8 of 16
Catriona Evan and Belle Sonmez (Mullingar) on Saturday. Thomas GibbonsImage 9 of 16
Derek Sheridan and Ollie McNamee from Mullingar Shamrocks. Thomas GibbonsImage 10 of 16
Marie Leavy, Denise Walsh and David Nohilly (club chairman). Thomas GibbonsImage 11 of 16
Padraig Murtagh and Gareth Doyle (club secretary). Thomas GibbonsImage 12 of 16
Annie Hearty and Brid Hacini in the clubhouse. Thomas GibbonsImage 13 of 16
Aaron Purcell, Donal O'Donoghue and Ritchie Daly at Saturday's family fun day. Thomas GibbonsImage 14 of 16
Joe Monaghan, Daniel Allen and Ross Gavin from Some One's Sons provided the entertainment. Thomas GibbonsImage 15 of 16
Aoife Boyle from Raharney, Julie McLoughlin from Crookedwood and Fiona Keating from Cullion. Thomas GibbonsImage 16 of 16
Sophie Hegarty said she wasn’t tyred after this challenge! Thomas GibbonsThe rain stayed at bay as a big crowd gathered at Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club on Saturday for the Family Challenge in aid of Gaza.
The event had the perfect atmosphere, activities for all ages, including a family challenge course, a solidarity walk, a coffee hut, raffles, bake sales, and live music.
The volunteers and attendees generated a event had a great atmosphere, and the passion in supporting the Palestine Red Crescent Society was evident.
One of the event organisers, Jackie Corroon, said: “We decided to come together with our underage members and our chairperson to try and do a family fun day.
“We wanted to put the emphasis on the fun part, but also to raise awareness for a worthy cause.
“We hope that people leave with a sense of hope that no matter what you can do, no matter how small of a contribution you make, everyone can feel that they have done in a little bit during a helpless time.”
Michelle Gavigan, another one of the event organisers, spoke with the Westmeath Examiner on the day: “We felt that there is a lack of awareness about what is happening in Gaza among a lot of teenagers.
“We just feel that sometimes we have to push ourselves out of this privilege bubble, because Ireland is a great country, but we need to think about how hard it is for other people.
“That is what it’s all about, showing people that it’s not just about you, it’s about everybody coming together.”
The day was a success in many ways, but one thing was clear: the organisers helped provide a great family day out.