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Huge turnout to support Ray Murnane fund

April 26th, 2016 4:50 PM

By Southern Star Team

Skibbereen's cheval ride on Main Street heading for Tragumna last Sunday afternoon. The fundraiser was in aid of Ray Murnane who was injured when he was thrown from his motorcycle in an accident on the Bantry to Bandon road last year. (Photo: Anne Minihane)

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A record number of horses took part in a very special Cheval ride.

A RECORD number of horses took part in a very special Cheval ride.

A total of 79 horses and their owners and supporters left the mart on the Marsh Road in Skibbereen on Sunday to ride to the Skibbereen Eagle pub in Tragumna to support the Ray Murnane Rehab Fund.

Ray suffered serious spinal injuries last September when he was thrown from his motorcycle in an accident on the Bantry to Bandon road.

Speaking after the event at a reception in the Horse and Hound pub in Skibbereen, Ray’s father-in-law John Riordan complimented the organisers Christine Murphy, the Church restaurant and Nollaig Harte, the Mart restaurant for attracting a record number of 79 horses from all over West Cork and Kerry. All completed the course safely. He also thanked the stewards, sponsors who donated spot prizes, The Church restaurant, Jeff’s pizza, ticket and line sellers and buyers, the Skibbereen Eagle, the Horse and Hound and Ger Carey who provided the music.

‘The event was an example of what the real Ireland can do with skilled energetic people co-operating to organise a hugely successful and enjoyable occasion,’ said John. ‘The generosity of the donors, sponsors and the community has been overwhelming.’

 On behalf of Ray’s Rehab Fund, he expressed the family and organisers’ ‘heartfelt appreciation’.

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