Liam Horan
FANS of the iconic 1960s and ‘70s ‘western’ The Virginian have been given an incredible chance to spend ten days in Houston, Texas, with the star of the famous series – for an outlay of just a tenner.
James Drury (pictured), who is now 74 years of age, has offered a leading west of Ireland charity the most novel prize they have ever received. “James visited Ireland last year, and got to know our work, and now he has contacted us to say two people can spend time with him over ten days, all expenses paid, in Texas,” explained Noel Higgins of Western Alzheimer’s.
“We were bowled over by the offer. The two lucky people will stay in a hotel in Houston, where The Virginian lives, and get to hang out with him over the ten days.
“For many people, James Drury is a screen legend. Like many others, I was an avid fan of The Virginian in the 1960s and ‘70s, and it has enjoyed a huge revival in recent years thanks to re-runs on TG4.”
Now fans of the programme all over Ireland are purchasing the €10 tickets from Western Alzheimer’s, who have been forced to take the raffle online to cope with the extraordinary demand.
“The chance to be buddies with The Virginian himself for ten days, and join him on a trip to the biggest rodeo in the world in Houston, Texas, has sparked enormous interest,” added Mr Higgins.
“We have even had interest from people in England, Wales, Germany, and the United States. All who donate €10 to us on our section on www.mycharity.ie/event/the_virginian will be entered in the draw.”
The Virginian has developed a close friendship with Hollymount man, Eamon Finnerty, who co-ordinated last year’s visit to Ireland. “It was like the visit of President John F Kennedy to Wexford in the 1960s,” said Eamon, “people queued for hours just to meet The Virginian. He is an extraordinarily generous person who gives his time freely to anyone who wants to talk about the programme.”
The lucky winner will become known when the draw takes places in Claremorris on Saturday, June 20th. Punters can log onto www.mycharity.ie/event/the_virginian or contact Western Alzheimers on 094 93 64900.
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