Local kids work together to organise charity sports day

By Pádraic Ó Ciardha

A group of 10 young friends from Maunsells Park have come together to organise a fundraising event in aid of The National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI).

The Maunsells Minis, who are between 7 and 13 years of age, are made up of Caitriona Carty, Brian and David Lennon, Lucille and Juliette Destrade, Amy and James Keaney, Anna, Saoirse and Seán Burke. The youngsters are organising the day of activities under the guidance of Karen Roberts, from the NBCRI.

The event takes place this coming Saturday, May 18, from 11am to 5pm on the Maunsells Park green. The activities planned for the day include sporting events as well a number of craft demonstrations.

“The Residents’ Association at Maunsells Park were looking for a kind of family outing to open the park, and the kids love sport so it developed into this lovely idea,” explained Ms Roberts.
The 10 children have been integral to the whole operation coming together, according to Ms Roberts

“They’re better than any committee I’ve ever been on. They attend all the meetings and they set the agenda. They’ve made the flyers and hand-delivered them around the local area and in town.”

As well as the general races and other events, Rugbytots will be putting on a rugby training clinic for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

Aside from the sporting activities, the local Girl Guide and Scout troops will be holding a demonstration on the green. There will also be a schoolbag clinic and sidewalk chalk drawing. The Maunsells Minis have even organised raffle prizes which can be won on the day. Food and refreshments will also be made available to those in attendance.

The event has been supported by a number of local businesses, including Gourmet Tart Co, Evergreen Westside, Smyths Toys, Michelle McDonough Beauty Rooms, Andrea Concannon and Ryans Home Store. The Maunsells Minis have painted individual posters for each of the event’s sponsors.

The official opening of the green takes place at noon and it is hoped that members of the Galway camogie team will be in attendance along with representatives of the NBCRI.

Children between the ages of 3 and 13 are all welcome to participate in the events and admission is €5. Entrance for those over 13 years of age is €2. Registration for the activities takes place between 11am and 12.15pm. All monies raised will go towards supporting the research team at the NBCRI, which is based in NUI Galway.