All-Star Racing Line up Shines at Cheltenham Night Preview, raising €33,466 for Cliona’s Foundation
The Cheltenham Night Preview, an all-star racing event held in aid of Cliona’s Foundation, has been hailed as a resounding success, raising an impressive €33,466 for families caring for seriously ill children across Ireland. The event, which brought together some of the biggest names in racing, was hosted at The Woodlands House Hotel and attracted a huge crowd of racing enthusiasts, supporters, and donors.
The night was a celebration of all things racing, with a panel featuring racing personality and MC David Jennings, Cheltenham winner and highly entertaining jockey Davy Russell, jockey Darragh O’Keefe, Professional punter Johnny Dineen, Local trainers Eric McNamara, Cathal and Charles Byrnes, The Real Whacker owner Davy Mann and Cork hurling legend Mark Landers. The very talented and entertaining Aidan Tierney of Tierney Talks brought various sporting and political personalities to life on stage.
Local bookmaker David McManus was there to lend support on the night, along with Punchestown CEO Conor O Neill, both were key members of the organising team.
L – R Conor Fitzgerald, David Jennings, Johnny Dineen, TJ Ryan, Cathal Byrnes, Davy Mann, Davy Russell, Darragh O Keefe, Mark Landers, Eric Mc Namara
Speaking about the success of the event, Conor Fitzgerald of The Woodlands House Hotel, who hosted and sponsored the night, said: “This has become a very special night in the yearly calendar. We were absolutely blown away by the generosity and support of everyone who attended. We are delighted and privileged to help the important work of Cliona’s Foundation whenever we can. This significant amount of money raised will go a long way to easing some financial burdens on families during a very difficult time for them.”
Lead organiser, renowned GAA commentator and long-time Cliona’s ambassador TJ Ryan spoke of his gratitude to all who supported the event “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the Cheltenham Preview Night. This is such a fantastic, good news story for all involved, to see people from the world of horse racing, fans and legends alike coming together in this way to make such a massive difference to families in dire need all over Ireland is amazing. We look forward to making this a not to be missed annual event. Huge thanks to all at The Woodlands and to our superb panellists for their incredible hard work”
Funds raised from the event will go directly towards supporting Cliona’s Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of children with life-limiting or serious illnesses. The foundation helps to ease the financial burden of families who have to travel long distances to receive treatment, often at the expense of their own livelihoods.
The success of the event underscores the incredible generosity of the racing community and the widespread support for Cliona’s Foundation and its vital work.
Cliona’s would like to take this opportunity to also thank Antoine Fitzsimons of A-Live Audio Visual Solutions, photographers Keith Wiseman and Eamon Doody.
