Community set to gather for South Mayo family fundraiser
The Warde family are hoping the community will once again come out in force on 12 September to enjoy a great night while raising as much funds as possible for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department in Castlebar.
It was a busy weekend for Mayo All-Ireland Champion Darragh Beirne, who took time out to support the Warde family’s fundraising efforts in Claremorris before heading off to Electric Picnic to appear on stage with The Saw Doctors.
Darragh joined the crowds at Tesco Claremorris, where a raffle ticket sale was taking place ahead of the Warde Family Fundraiser on Saturday, 12 September at Michael Warde’s Public House, Claremorris, in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar.
The All-Ireland champion very kindly gave his time to meet the crowds who came along, posing for photographs and chatting with supporters of all ages. Darragh proved to be the star attraction, with a fantastic crowd turning out for the opportunity to get a photograph with one of Mayo’s 2026 All-Ireland champions.
And from Claremorris, it was straight on to another big stage, as Darragh headed off to Electric Picnic, where he was due to make an appearance on stage with the legendary Saw Doctors. His visit helped create a brilliant atmosphere in Tesco and contributed to what was an extremely successful day of raffle ticket sales.
The fundraiser is being held in memory of Greg Warde and his daughter Natasha Warde, who sadly passed away just three months apart. The two beneficiaries – Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department in Castlebar – are causes particularly close to the hearts of the Warde family.
The family said: “We were completely overwhelmed by the support in Tesco. So many people came out to buy tickets and support two causes that mean an enormous amount to our family. “We cannot thank Darragh enough. He was so generous with his time and brilliant with everyone who came to meet him. To think he came along to support us before heading off to Electric Picnic to appear with The Saw Doctors made it even more special. We really appreciate him taking the time to be there.”
A special thank you also goes to Marie Crowe and Bridie Mannion, who headed up a fantastic team of women selling tickets throughout the day, including some of Natasha’s friends and colleagues. The family would also like to thank Tesco Claremorris for providing the space for the ticket sale, along with everyone who came along, bought tickets, donated and supported the fundraiser.
Attention now turns to the main event on Saturday, 12 September, when Michael Warde’s Public House in Claremorris will host what promises to be a very special night. Music begins at 6pm, with a fantastic auction and raffle taking place during the evening and an incredible selection of prizes generously donated by businesses, friends and supporters. All proceeds will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, in memory of Greg and Natasha.
The Warde family are hoping the community will once again come out in force on September 12 to enjoy a great night while raising as much as possible for these two very important causes. Raffle tickets are available from Warde’s Pub, Shine Boutique and Bláthanna Flowers in Claremorris.