Bingo fundraiser in memory of the late John Maher raises €7,000 for Carrick-on-Suir GAA club

Caption for photo above: Pictured at the John Maher Memorial Bingo fundraiser in aid of St Molleran’s GAA Club’s Raise The Roof Development Project are John’s family. Pictured front from left: Shirley Power, Shauna Maher, Chelsea Maher and Stephen Walsh. Back: Paula Walsh, Lynsey Maher, Rosaleen Maher, Kay Maher (John’s wife), Debbie Maher and Toni Walsh. pictures Anne Marie Magorrian

As 70 kids children arrived at St Molleran’s GAA Club’s pitch on Monday morning (August 14) for the annual Kelloggs Cúl Camp, the late John Maher’s name was spoken of, as it is on most days in the field.

Club members reminisced that morning about a special occasion two days previously when they gathered at the Carrickbeg inn for the John Maher Memorial Bingo Night.

John, aged 67, a former chairman of St Molleran's GAA Club from Treacy Park, Carrick-on-Suir, died tragically in a traffic accident near his home in November last year.

His death was deeply mourned by all in St Molleran’s GAA Club where he was a prominent volunteer and club official for many years.

Saturday, August 12 was a special night for all in the club as John’s family hosted the bingo night in his memory to raise funds for St Molleran’s GAA Club’s new Raise The Roof fundraising campaign for a proposed all-weather pitch with roof cover and new club gym and meeting rooms.

The Maher Family left no stone unturned to ensure this night was a huge success, down to the fantastic t-shirts and St Molleran’s Club maroon and white socks worn by the ticket sellers.

Bingo was played, raffles took place, food was provided and lots of fun was had by all at the disco afterwards.

“We are sure that John was smiling down on his loving family and beloved club for coming together on this special night,” said St Molleran’s GAA Club PRO Adam Hunt.

“One of John’s family spoke of how he (John) would have walked miles and miles fundraising for that pitch and new development and we know he would have.

“Despite his absence, John’s loving family were on hand to make sure his legacy is part of this exciting new development project

“We were delighted to be joined by members of the Maher family last week when they handed over an astonishing amount of money to us - €7,000.”

Adam said St Molleran’s GAA is so thankful to the Maher Family for this fantastic night and the truly amazing amount of money the bingo event raised for the club’s Raise the Roof campaign.

Check out more photos from the John Maher Memorial Bingo Night in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.