Our 2023 Event is being named in honour of our friend and colleague, Kevin Smith, who sadly passed away on December 29th 2022. Kevin was a much loved man who endeared himself to so many people in different walks of life and he has left a lasting impression on those he met through his friendliness and good humour. He was a tireless worker who never spared himself in the service of others and never said no. He was a former treasurer of his native club Killygarry and after he moved to live in Crosserlough he quickly became involved with the club. He served as vice-chairman and then chairman and was development officer at the time of his passing. He is remembered as an outstanding chairman and he was to the forefront of many of the exciting developments that have taken place at Plunkett Park, Kilnaleck in recent years.
As development officer of Cavan County Board GAA Kevin left a great legacy. He brought his experience as an engineer with Cavan Co Council and later Irish Water to bear on many aspects of his various roles and the GAA and community organisations in Cavan were the beneficiaries. He served on the management committee of Cavan GAA and he did extensive work on infrastructural projects as a member of Kingspan Breffni Development Committee and in particular the Polo Grounds Centre of Excellence at the rear of Kingspan Breffni. He was involved in the Breffni Gallery, the half-time draw for Cavan Youth Board, the Health and Wellbeing committee, and many other sub-committees in addition to being vice-chairperson of Cavan Ladies’ Board. In his role as development officer he was in constant contact with the clubs of Cavan and he was a man who shared his knowledge, his talents and his widespread experience with anyone or any community group that asked. He visited club grounds gave officers his wisdom and good advice and helped in assisting with grant applications and in planning long term visions. It is fair to say that anything Kevin got involved in was done in a thoroughly professional way and in a voluntary capacity.
Kevin is missed by his countless friends and work colleagues but especially by his devoted wife Olivia and family whom he adored. The county of Cavan is a poorer place because of his untimely passing but many people and organisations have been enriched by working with him or just knowing him.
Our chosen charities for 2023 are
Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Vincent McGee Benefit Fund, CUAN (Cancer Understanding And Nurtuting) – Cavan Branch, The Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Fund and Yanna’s Four Leaf Clover
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT)
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland. Each year, they repatriate typically in excess of 200 Irish people from all corners of the world.
Vincent McGee Benefit Fund
Following a fall from the roof of his home in 2011, Vincent suffered multiple fractures to his head and back, resulting in him spending 5 weeks in a coma in Beaumont Hospital. He underwent numerous surgeries and spent 2 terms in NRH Dun Laoire. His friends in Crosserlough and his work colleagues in Cleantech Civils rallied around to assist in raising funds to purchase specialised equipment and fund intensive physiotherapy sessions following his admission to Castlemanor Nursing Home. Over the following couple of years, Vincent regained a certain level of mobility to allow him stand and finally take steps in 2018. By early 2020, with certain modifications, he eventually returned to his home and with the support of family, his community and his workmates under the direction of both Declan Smith & Brian Smith he has regained a certain level of independent living. Without his friends and the funds raised, he would not be where he is today.
CUAN (Cancer Understanding And Nurtuting) – Cavan Branch
Our Vision in Cuan is that people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families & caregivers have access to social supports & services that enhance their well-being & quality of life.
Cuan offers a confidential space to talk, relax, participate in various programmes, activities & workshops and experience some complementary therapies.
Cuan is affiliated with the Irish Cancer Society and works closely with the NCCP (National Cancer Control Programme) who published the Hospital and Community-based Psychosocial Care for Patients with Cancer and their Families: A Model of Care for Psycho-Oncology in 2020
The Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Fund
The Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Fund was started in 1993.
Objectives of the Fund:
Offer a support system (including financial where required) to help patients live as actively as possible;
Offer a support system to enable the family to cope while caring;
Enhance the quality of life for both patient and family;
Use a team approach to address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual concerns of patients and their families.
Yanna’s Four Leaf Clover
Yanna, a leaving cert student of Cnoc Mhuire Granard, member of Gowna LGFA and an important part of the Gowna community, recently sustained life changing injuries in an accident on her way to her summer job in the Farnham Estate Hotel, Cavan.
Yanna is the daughter of Gavin and Lukia Hartin. Gavin is a farmer and mechanic and former Gowna and Cavan footballer. Lukia, originally from Cornafean established a career with Ericsson Athlone.
To support Yanna in her recovery, the local community has established ‘Yanna’s Four Leaf Clover (Love, Luck, Hope and Faith) Fundraiser’.
Monies raised will be used to support Yanna by removing barriers in her return to independent community involvement. Yanna’s immediate and medium-term requirements include;
suitable adapted accommodation and transport needs
ongoing medical treatment including innovative treatments, at home or abroad, together with necessary equipment, training, physiotherapy, and support care needs.
We are asking you to consider supporting Yanna to help her return to independent living. Your support will be forever appreciated by Yanna, her friends and family, and if you are able to share this campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues, we would be very grateful.
Register for the event via Eventbrite
Click the idonate logo to make a donation – Thank you
Christmas Lights Vehicle Parade Cavan 