Community Group of the Year Finalist: Fun at core of Relaghbeg Fundraising Committee
“Where do I start?” wonders Elizabeth Daly when asked to discuss Relaghbeg Fundraising Association.
It’s a fair question when you consider the amount they have been involved in: talent competitions, 5K walk/runs, country and western dances, family fun days, are just some of the events they have hosted.
The seeds of the association can be traced back to the endeavours of big-hearted regulars of Smyth’s Bar in Relaghbeg who had long hosted quizzes and poker runs and other fundraisers. A hugely successful bed push in 2003 marked the official founding, and the 20-or-so strong group haven’t looked back.
Elizabeth was one of a quartet of long-haired ladies to have her head shaved for St Christopher’s in Cavan and Meath Hospice.
“We also had a very tasteful male nude calendar, and then of course a few years later the men said ‘When are the ladies going to take their turn?’ So we did one for the ladies.”
They have an unofficial Guinness World Record for 60 spray tans within 60 minutes.
“They were all men who were tanned - we try to put a fun spin on everything we do.
“We did actually complete it,” says Elizabeth noting the Guinness official was sadly unable to attend. “We know we did it!”
One of their proudest achievements is to have a defibrillator installed outside Smyth’s Bar.
“A number of the committee in the local area are trained in CPR,” explained Elizabeth, who is from the Royal County side of the townland divide.
In the wake of Covid restrictions, the group began a popular family fun day on the final weekend of the summer holidays for all of the community, free of charge.
“It was about getting people back in touch with each other,” Elizabeth said.
Aside from a whole lot of fun and community spirit, the committee has generated a serious amount of funds - estimated at “over €230K” since 2003.
“It’s not like work - it’s the feelgood factor you get by raising funds and helping someone out, and also for the community spirit and connecting with other people in your community and having fun doing it.”