Musical twist in the adventurous tale of Captain Paddy and Lucky
It's no shaggy dog story, but the culmination of a year of adventure in the name of charity. The plush celebrities Captain Paddy and Lucky will have a couple of more outing before they conclude their unique fundraiser at the end of the year.
The team of two, and their human companion Jason Phelan, have been enjoying sky high support as they do their bit for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Dogs Trust of Ireland.
Captain Paddy's backstory is that of an ex-Irish Air Corp (IAC) pilot who learned to fly at Abbeyshrule Airfield, Longford with the T Bear Flyers Academy.
During his time with the IAC, Capt Paddy flew the Fouga Magister CM-170 jet aircraft used for training, for the Light Strike Squadron and for the Silver Swallows display team.
Following his retirement from the Irish Air Corps in 2012, Capt Paddy spent his time in Emper, Ballynacarrgy, with sidekick Lucky, enjoying country walks, relaxing and other outdoor activities. He came out of retirement in 2023 to raise awareness and funds for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice is a final act of getting back in the air to travel the world and spread the word on the Aviation Ireland Challenge.
Lucky was rescued as a young pup near the canal in Mullingar in 2014, at roughly only six weeks old. Capt Paddy took in the young pup under his wings and Lucky was named after all the good luck that Capt Paddy has had in aviation.
Capt Paddy has had Lucky as a companion on the year-long adventure with the Aviation Ireland Challenge and Lucky is representing the Dogs Trust Ireland.
Captain Paddy T Bear, Lucky and their human carer Jason have been flying around Ireland in different aircraft types to promote and raise funds for the good work of the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Dogs Trust of Ireland.
They have carried a logbook to record flight hours, pilot in command, aircraft type and registration. The logbook and a scrap book of the adventures will be auctioned off in December to raise further funds for two Irish charities.
An air-to-air formation flight by Gerry Humphreys in EI-HUM (the ‘Flying Cow’) and Eddie Goggins (the ‘Flying Dentist’) in his CAP 232 in mid-September marked the handover of a €1,000 donation from Millennium Aviation Event Solutions to support the two charities.
Capt Paddy and Lucky’s are now hosting the Last Shout Hooley in support of the charities. This musical takes place at Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar on Saturday, November 8.
“We were delighted to be joined by Kevin Lyster from Emerald Lakes Academy, who helped us promote the upcoming event at the Annebrook House Hotel on November 8. The evening will feature a fantastic lineup of talented performers from Emper, Ballynacarrgy, Kilbeggan, Mullingar, and across Westmeath,” Jason told the Westmeath Examiner.
Local musicians will feature at the shindig. Performers will include Danny Lewin (Lord of the Dance USA tour), banjo player Willie Kavanagh, singer and songwriter Larrisa Tormey (Ireland's Eurovision Entry 2025 ‘Laika Party’ co-writer) and members of the Irish dance group Emerald Lakes Academy. The show will also feature young musicians from Emper school and Emper community session players.
"We have raised €13,000 with all of our efforts so far," Jason said. "We hope the concert and the auction at the end of the year increases that total. We have been well supported throughout and we want to thank everyone who has helped us raise funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Dogs Trust of Ireland."
Tickets are €15, and includes refreshments/finger food and are available until November 5 on Eventbrite or directly from Jason Phelan. The concert is on in The Annebrook House Hotel , Mullingar on Saturday, November 8.
To make a donation visit aviationireland.ie.