Soccer match in honour of late popular Offaly man raises funds for two local charities

THE family of the late Pa Gorman, who passed away earlier this year, have extended thanks to all those who took part in and supported a charity soccer game played recently at Coolraine FC.

Over €10,000 was raised for two very worthy causes - €8,500 for Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group and €1542 for Friends of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.

Pa's father, Patsy said the Gorman family were eternally grateful to Coolraine FC, in particular Frank Kavanagh and John Rhattigan, for organising the fundraiser.

He also extended thanks to Arden Celtic and St Michael's football club and to Paul Kelly and the committee of Coolraine FC.

Patsy further extended thanks to Gordon Whelan and Maria Kavanagh and their team at the Lantern who held a post match function at which no less that 54 spot prizes were won by those in attendance.

Speaking on behalf of Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group, Service Manager John Conroy, thanked the family and friends of Pa Gorman and commended them for their strength and determination to undertake this fundraiser and keep his memory alive so close since his passing.

“€8,500 for Dóchas is a huge sum of money and a testament to Pa’s family and friends. We want to take the opportunity to thank the organising committee and Pa’s extended family and friends for choosing us as the beneficiaries of the funding on the day.

"We also extend our sincere gratitude to Coolraine FC who provided the facilities for the memorial match on the day and to the two clubs, Arden Celtic and St. Michaels FC, for taking part and providing a very entertaining match. We also want to acknowledge and thank the huge generosity of local businesses who donated to the monster raffle on the night and to the management and staff of The Lantern who accommodated the benefit night after the match and to anyone who donated money in the lead up to, during and after the event.

"This funding will go towards providing direct vital free services to clients with a cancer diagnosis, their families, friends and to anyone bereaved by cancer. Our services include, but not limited to, Counselling, Play Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, group supports (including Art Therapy, Yoga, rehabilitation courses among much more and we thank each and everyone of your for your generosity”