It was all glitz and glamour and splashes of colour for the social event of the year in aid of the North West Simon Community.
Over 320 glamorous ladies gathered in the wonderful surrounds of Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon to celebrate Women’s Little Christmas in style and for a good cause on Sun 7th Jan 2018.
The lunch was a sell-out success, with over 320 ladies seated for a fantastic three course meal with wine before hearing from inspiring guest speakers.
Organiser Mary Mc Keon said, “The event is getting better every year with ladies travelling from all several counties.”
MC on the day was Eileen Magnier from RTE and a voluntary board member of North West Simon Community. Eileen spoke passionately on behalf of the charity, followed by Nikki Bradley who was very inspiring and received a standing ovation.
Nikki Bradley is an adapted adventurer and motivational speaker, ambassador and a fitness enthusiast with a special interest in adapted training. Nikki’s life has not been what you would call, ‘normal’. Diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (Ewing’s Sarcoma) at sixteen and the receiver of a second total right hip replacement at the age of twenty six, Nikki has been on a truly unique journey.
Mary Mc Keon with Guest Speaker Nikki Bradley
To wrap it all up, Mary Mc Keon thanked everyone for coming, all who showcased on the day and gave spot prizes and the management of Kilronan Castle for their professionalism.
Ten ladies were presented with a gift bag from Salon 2 in Sligo for “Who makes you smile” Competition each with a €200 voucher for David Mc Conville Orthodontics enclosed.
The overall winner received a David Mc Conville Orthodontics Voucher for €2,000 and a goodie bag from Saloon 2 to include a €50 voucher.
Marie O Dowd, Marie Finney, Mary Mc Keon and Ann Dunne
The ladies really put a huge effort into the “Splash of Yellow” and as a result four winners were picked by Bernie Delaney, Style Coach. The fourth was a group of 10 ladies who wore yellow wigs for the whole day and certainly brought a splash of yellow to table no 10.
Sharon, Michelle, Mary and Bernie Delaney
Marie Casserly & Mary Rooney
Ann Dunne, Sharon Coyle & Mary Mc Keon (Organiser)
Erin Moran and Lisa Maloney
Although the cause – North West Simon Community and homelessness is a very serious issue the day itself is always lots of fun. The NoteOrious4 really added to this year’s event with their beautiful singing and Liam Gannon, Harmony Weddings ended off the event beautifully.
The charity wish to thank the following for their kind sponsorship: David Mc Conville Orthodontics, Sligo & Donegal for sponsorship of the wine and several spot prizes, Feehily’s Florists, Saloon 2 & Markievez Pharmacy all Sligo, John Murphy for taking photos – Keep an eye on John’s facebook page for his images of you all @johnrhodephotos. Thanks to Michelle Baxter for her assistance with sourcing spot prizes and organising the competition. Sincere thanks to Kilronan Castle for their professionalism and generosity on the day. Thanks to all the Donegal businesses who supported this event.
Over 60 fantastic spot prizes were given out on the day. Traditionally, Nollaig na mBan was a day for women to relieve themselves of household duties and revel with female friends.
The custom on Women’s Little Christmas is that women get as much needed rest after catering to everyone during the festivities and they are supposed to sit back and let men take over the house work!
What better way to relax and support a very worthy cause. Ladies: Put Sun 6th Jan 2019 in your diary for next year. All money raised from this event goes towards the housing support service in Sligo, Leitrim & Donegal.
Now in its fourth year this event has raised over €35,000 to date for North West Simon Community– well done to all the ladies who support this worthy local cause and travel from all over to support this event each year.
