Twelve (plus) Christmas charity events across county
There may well be 12 days of Christmas but there are more than a dozen charity events taking place across County Cavan over the festive season as organisers embrace the spirit of giving.
Belturbet Parish Church, Church of Ireland will kick things off as it hosts a Christmas event tomorrow (Thursday), December 21 at 8pm. ‘A Time to Remember’ will be led by Rev Tayna Woods and country gospel singer James Kilbride will perform festive songs and carols. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The 33rd annual Christmas Day swim takes place in Ballyjamesduff at Lacken Lake around noon. All funds raised will go to the Oncology Ward at the Mater Hospital. This year Kathleen and Michael Lynch who died in a house fire in September will be remembered and the Lynch family tradition of supplying soup to the swimmers will continue.
Paddy Smith is one of the founding members of the swim and he has been receiving treatment at the Mater Hospital for the last few years. It was with this in mind that a decision was made to give the proceeds of this year’s event to the hospital’s oncology unit.
“There isn’t a family that hasn’t been touched by cancer so the funds raised this year are going to a very deserving cause,” the organisers said. “Every year we support local charities including St Vincent de Paul so this year the support is going to where many people need it.”
There is a cohort of swimmers that participate in the Christmas Day swim in Ballyjamesduff every year and the organisers are encouraging swimmers from across the county to get involved this Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, the annual Christmas Day Swim takes place in Bailieboro and 2023 marks its 30th year. Sponsorship cards are available from reception at Bailieboro Leisure Centre. Contact Brendan on 087-2758890, Mary on 086-0688714 or any member of Cavan MS committee for more details. The swim starts at 12:30pm at the Town Lake on the Cavan Road side. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun.
Lavey Ladies annual Christmas Swim takes place at 12:30pm sharp at Lavey Lake. All proceeds raised on the day will be donated to HUGG. More details are available on Facebook and Instagram. There will be a bucket collection on the day and all donations will be appreciated. Donations can also be made via Paypal www.paypal.com/paypalme/laveyladiescavan
The Cavan Icebreakers Swimming Club, meanwhile, are set for their 54th annual Christmas swim. The event will get underway at Annagh Lake at 11:30am. Participants are being advised to arrive at 11am with a number of prizes up for grabs.
The event, which was started in 1968 by Cavan swimmer Sean Walsh, holds the record for one of the oldest freshwater Christmas swims in Ireland.
Cavan Gardaí and Cavan Civil Defence will be in attendance and all those participating are asked to co-operate with a parking system that will be in place. A raffle will be held before proceedings get under way. All funds raised will go to SOSAD Cavan, which provides a valuable mental health service to those experiencing bereavement, stress and anxiety.
The Christmas Dash 5km charity run/walk is once again taking place around Cavan Town on St Stephen’s Day at 12 noon. The event kicks off at MacGabhann’s on Main Street and all funds raised this year will be donated to Cuan Cancer Support Centre, which is a social support and wellness group for people who have experienced a Cancer diagnosis, and Cavan Alzheimer Society, which provides a day care at home service with six full time carers giving over 200 hours per week to 45 local families.
In Cootehill, the Elaine Tate Memorial Run will also take place on St Stephen’s Day in Dartry Forest. All proceeds will be shared between Cootehill Cancer Care; Ballybay Cancer; and Crocus Monaghan.
Not too far away, the annual St Stephen’s Day walk takes place in Drumgoon leaving Gallonray House at 11am.
The event provides everyone with an opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air in after the indulgence of Christmas Day. It’s also a great way to meet friends and catch up with neighbours.
Arva Trotters will present the Turkey Trot 2023 on St Stephen’s Day. It includes 10km and 7km routes in the area that will help to work off the Christmas dinner! Starting at the Breffni Arms Hotel at 12.30pm, donations are most welcome. All funds raised will go to Down Syndrome Ireland, Cavan branch. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the hotel.
Bailieborough Walking Group will host a community ‘Turkey Walk’ on Tuesday, December 26, in aid of SOSAD Cavan and Parkinsons Association, Cavan. Easy and long routes are available on the day to suit all abilities. The walk starts at the BDA Centre, Shercock Road, at 11am. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
The Adrian Donohoe Memorial Walk will take place on St Stephen’s Day leaving Crosserlough GAA grounds at 11am. This will be followed by the inaugural Parish Tournament at 12 noon.
All proceeds are in aid of local charities and Crosserlough GAA gym equipment in the name of the late detective garda who was shot dead in the line of duty in 2013.
Charity match
Killinkere GFC is holding a special in-house over 40s charity match in aid of SOSAD Cavan on St Stephen’s Day. The club is currently looking for GAA legends to take part! Please contact Jim Matthews for more details.
Cavan Kayakrun will hold a charity event on December 29 in aid of Cancer Comfort and the Irish Red Cross. The event includes 40km and 50km cycles and a 5km run/walk. Proceedings get underway at Gallonray House with the cycle commencing at 1pm and the run/walk kicking off at 2pm. Donations appreciated; spot prizes on the day.
Last but not least, Belturbet Comhaltas is holding a family-fun table quiz on December 29 at 8pm in the Seven Horseshoes. For bookings call 086-8310018.