Francis McEveney, Passage West, decorated his home for Halloween yet again this year as a fundraiser for Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.
With help from Passage West Men’s Shed, family, friends and volunteers, Francis put on a huge display and large visitor numbers came to see it and donate to charity. At the time of going to print, thousands of euros have already been donated and people can still support it online: www.idonate.ie/HalloweenDisplay
You can check out the event’s Facebook Page too: Halloween Display for Marymount University Hospital & Hospice. Separately on this week’s paper (Page 5), Francis was recognised for this annual fundraiser as well as his wider work in the community of Passage West as he received the Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Cork International Hotel & Media Partners, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.
Passage West Man Wins Community Spirit Award
Passage West man Francis McEveney has been chosen as the latest winner of “The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award.
The awards, which are also sponsored by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware, take in a large geographical area in South Cork stretching from Rochestown, Douglas and Togher to Kinsale, Crosshaven and Passage West.
For many years, Francis organised the enormous ‘Passage West Ladies Football Blitz’, an All-Ireland under-age Gaelic Football blitz for girls which regularly had attendances of over 5,000 people.
Francis remains involved as a valued member and volunteer of Passage West GAA Club.
Charity and volunteerism is also a huge part of Francis’ life and annually he decorates his house for Halloween in order to raise funds for Marymount, including his largest ever display this year. Huge visitor numbers come to see the decorations and make donations on site for the charity. (See page 8 of this edition for more).
General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Carmel Lonergan said: “Francis encapsulates the essence of Community Spirit and we are delighted to see him recognised for all of his wonderful work with this award.”
The judging panel comprises a mixture of public and private sector representatives from the community.
The judging panel for this award was:
· Carmel Lonergan General Manager Cork International Hotel
· Nicola Radley Senior Executive Officer, Municipal District Operations & Rural Development at Cork County Council
· Aisling Killilea Bank of Ireland Manager Carrigaline and Douglas
· Vincent O'Donovan & Jack White, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.
Nominations are open now: https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/community-spirit-awards/