This is the final dispatch of 2018. Christmas is a great time to switch off given the entire world will more or less shut down apart from those great souls on the front line of trouble or the health services and staff in businesses keeping the general show on the road.
It was great hearing from lots of friends of recent past and way back in the lead up to the festive break.
Shoutout From Columbia
Included in those who got in touch the man they call Brendan 'Wrong Way' Corrigan.
Must find out where he got the nickname but he is a Roscommon native I met at the 2006 All-Ireland football final, (the year the Ros went on to win the minor title in Ennis, glory days!!). says Brendan.
Anyway, I know you're inundated with requests and the like right now, but if you could give a quick shout-out and wish all my family & friends back home in Lisacul, Co. Roscommon a '¡Feliz Navidad!' from myself here in Bogotá, Colombia, my base for the last seven years!
Of course Christmas is also a time to remember those who are no longer around or who are enduring poor health or their own personal struggles.
Support Seán
Thoughts are especially with a Meath family this year.
You may recall the case of Seán Cox. A 53-year old husband and father of three from Dunboyne.
A lifelong Liverpool FC fan, on April 24th 2018 Seán travelled with his brother Martin to the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and AS Roma at Anfield. Just before kick-off, on his way to the stadium, Seán was the victim of a vicious and unprovoked attack which left him with life-changing injuries.
The GAA county boards of Dublin and Meath did their bit last weekend and Sandra Devenney was in touch about a local soccer club running a fundraiser for Seán.
Ratoath Harps AFC were moved like the rest of us, and they are running a Soccer Blitz on Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th December which will be housed in Ratoath Harps Football Grounds.
Teams comprise of 10 players with only 6 playing at any one time. Cost per team is €300 and any interested parties can enter their team by contacting sixesforsean@gmail.com or follow the link on ratoathharps.com. Closing Date is Saturday 22nd.
Draw takes place Sunday and all teams notified by email.
They are also running an online auction with some fabulous items for sale e.g. 2 Champions League & Europa Cup Final Tickets, Signed Soccer Jerseys Tickets to European Championships Qualifiers in Dublin plus overnight accommodation plus many more great items.
Keep an eye on this website for any other events or to donate.
Another man who I have sat in a radio studio with is Kildare man Emmett Bolton who is lending his support to a neighbour battling cancer.
I would challenge you not to be moved by the story of Mick Mullan from Eadestown who is battling cancer for the third time.
Michael Mullan Cancer Fund from Michael Mullan Cancer Fund on Vimeo.
Emmet advises there is a 12 a side GAA blitz in Naas Rugby Club on 26th December @ 2pm. Eadestown Gaa, Naas Gaa, Kill Gaa, Two Mile House Gaa and Naas Rugby Club will be taking part. It is €10 entry fee at the gate. 'Myself, Eamonn Callaghan, Fionn Carr and Johne Murphy will be playing in it.' says Emmet.
Great event planned for St Stephens Day in @NaasRFC - Michael Mullan Cancer Fund -
A charity GAA match involving @EadestownGAA @TwoMileHouseGAA @NaasGAA @AnChillGaa and of course @NaasRFC
Throw in 2pm come on down for the craic and support a great cause #onecommunity pic.twitter.com/L0fYrw5jOv— Naas Rugby Club (@NaasRFC) December 19, 2018
Eyes on Portlaoise
Brendan Gavin is a Tipp native domiciled in Laois for his sins.
And had this request.
'Would you mind please giving a shout out to the Portlaoise ladies juvenile Gaa who are doing a street collection in Portlaoise this Fri and Sunday after celebrating winning the U12 county A final?
This is from a Moyne Templetuohy man who’s daughter was on the team and as a bog man shouting Cmon the Town kills me But cmon the town and give a few euros for a great cause.'
Brendan clearly struggling to acclimatise in Leix.
Speaking of Tipp if you're in the Wesht of the county over the break keep an eye out for this!
Road Hurlin Tournament 2018. Donohill at 11.30am.. See https://t.co/o4m51lzzcm for more. #clubify
— Eire Og Annacarty (@EireOgAnnacarty) December 18, 2018
To you and yours have a great break and chat to you on the other side!
