Caheragh Threshing event to celebrate €1m in fundraising

THE Caheragh Threshing Committee and supporters are celebrating a major milestone this year, having fundraised a total of €1m since 1999.

Launching this year’s threshing event – the village’s 18th – they revealed that when the committee was founded in 1999, it was in conjunction with the founding of the Cork Cancer Research Centre by the late Prof Gerry O’Sullivan, who hailed from the parish.  

Total proceeds that year yielded £7,029 and have been as high as €62,000 in recent years.  ‘It would not be possible for our committee of thirteen without the loyal support of friends and other volunteers,’ said a spokesperson. ‘As in any business, a plan of positive action is vital for our fundraising achievements.  Starting out this year particularly early summer there was a lot of disquiet in relation to other charities and subsequent revelations were not helpful.  However, our members were are most thankful for the respect and generosity shown them year after year.  All work is voluntary.’   

The committee and supporters recently attended a Research Showcase in the Cork Cancer Research Centre where they saw first hand the work and progress through breakthroughs in research and development. 

 The new centre in the fourth floor of the UCC Western Building (formerly the Old Dog Track) is now home to the clinicians and scientists who work in the centre.  ‘It was extremely heartening to visit there and experience the professionalism with which they carry out their work with the patient always at the core of everything,’ the spokesperson added. Caheragh Threshing Group have also helped many local charities including three local primary schools, Bright Beginning Childcare and Parish Churches. Help has also been extended to Bantry and Skibbereen, covering both hospitals, day care for the elderly, palliative care, Co-action, Cope Foundation, the Wheelchair Association and much more.

 On Sunday next October 9th the fun will kick off for this year’s threshing event with the traditional parade of vintage machines, headed by the Old Time Ransom Thresher, all heading for the site at the Traveller’s Rest pub in the village.  

There will be sheep shearing, butter making, sheaf tossing, a children’s corner, a massive raffle, a wheel of fortune, a tea stall, dog show and much more. Music is by the Irish Weavers with a special guest appearance by Bernadette Milner, winner of the Cork City & County Over 60s talent competition, who will perform some of her favourite songs.