Going … going … gone! Carlow Lions Club auction raises €8k for cancer charities

WITH MORE than 120 lots up for grabs, Carlow Lions Club recently raised over €8,000 for two great causes, Éist Cancer Support Centre and Childhood Cancer Ireland.

Auctioneer and PRO for the club Eoin Kehoe hosted the event in the ballroom of the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow.

Items up for grabs included hotel stays, golf lessons and green time and even a pizza making kit. Eoin said there were plenty of bargains for the many serious punters in attendance.

A 65-inch television was one of the biggest items on the night and was bought by an over-the-phone bidder, even though the ballroom was packed with more than 80 eager buyers.

Last year, Eoin ran the auction alongside fellow auctioneer Jimmy Walshe of Leinster Co-op Marts. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year so there was a poignancy for many of those in attendance. “He was very missed,” said Eoin.

The club raised money for charities supporting families and individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Éist Cancer Support Centre, based on the Tullow Road, provides both emotional and practical supports with many of their volunteers being cancer survivors themselves.

Lorna McGrath, service manager at Éist, spoke during the auction about her experience dealing with cancer.

Money will also be allocated to Childhood Cancer Ireland, a national charity who support children and families going through cancer treatment.

Carlow Lions Club members Tom Clowry and John O’Donovan spearheaded the organisation efforts, and received donations from many local business and individuals.

The auction also took place last year and was a great success, raising €7,500. This year’s fundraiser received even more support, and talks have already begun about a third year.

Keith Sothern, who worked on the fundraisers’ social media, said he was very appreciative to Seven Oaks Hotel for allowing them to use their ballroom.